Brussels in 48 hours: The ultimate guide

Updated on July 26, 2024 by Pierre

Brussels in a day? It's possible, but you'd only risk scratching the surface 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 is sure to charm you. Discover our itinerary for a perfect weekend in the city.

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

Day 1: The historic heart and hidden treasures

Ready to explore the Belgian capital? Today, we're focusing on the historic center and its hidden gems 🏴‍☠️. Lace up your sneakers and follow the guide 👟!

Start in the morning with the famous Grand-Place

Start your day at the unmissable Grand-Place. This magnificent square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is surrounded by historic guildhalls and the City Hall. It's the beating heart of Brussels! If you're visiting Brussels as a couple , this is a must-see.

Links to complete your visit:

• 🍴 Cheap lunch near the Grand-Place
• 🧒10 things to do with teenagers in Brussels

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:

• 🍴 Where to eat the best waffles in Brussels?
• 🌧️The best things to do in Brussels when it rains?

Take your lunch break near the Sablon: le Parroquet

During our visit, we had lunch at Le Perroquet (💡we reviewed it here). A typical Brussels lunch: pita bread with Belgian sauces. This traditional restaurant offers a generous menu with a quick, tasty, and affordable lunch option. The setting is classic and even legendary. This place is therefore perfect for visiting Brussels, whether with family, as a couple, or even solo.

• 🍴 We tested this restaurant Le Perroquet
• 🍴What are Belgian sauces?
• 🍴The 5 best chip shops and chip shops in Brussels

An early medieval afternoon: Rue de la Cigogne

After lunch, explore Rue de la Cigogne, a charming little cobbled street. It's the perfect place to get lost and enjoy a moment of peace and quiet. This street is one of the best for taking selfies in Brussels.

Links to complete your visit:

• 💡Take the opportunity to see the pieces of the medieval wall that can still be seen.
• 💡 If your itinerary allows it, make a detour via Place-Sainte Catherine

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:

• Grand Place: 💡 Everything you need to know about the Grand Place in Brussels
• Royal Saint-Hubert Galleries: [Link to an article on the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert]
• The Comics Journey : 🚶Our free comic strip trail itinerary
• The Sablon: 🚶Don’t miss our Sablon tour itinerary.
• Chocolates: 🍴 How to find your favorite chocolatier in Brussels

A Belgian dinner

Choose one of the city's many Belgian breweries to enjoy a Flemish carbonnade or a waterzooi. For example,

• End of century,
• Emile Bistrot,
• Schievelavabo

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

Feel free to customize this itinerary to suit your preferences! 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:

• Heizel Park and Atomium: [Link to an article on the Heizel Park and the Atomium]
• Mini-Europe: around Europe in a few hoursMini Europe
• Japanese Tower: [Link to an article on the Japanese Tower]
• The Brussels flea market in the Marolles – Place du jeu de balle.

And there you have it, a complete overview of what Brussels has to offer in two days. A weekend goes by quickly in Brussels. Depending on how fast you're going, this itinerary might be too long. Choose the activities that appeal to you.

Feel free to adapt this itinerary to suit your preferences and interests. For example, you could 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!