Itineraries for Your Trip to Brussels
2 Days in Brussels for First Timers
The stunning architecture in Brussels wows me every time I visit. I could spend multiple days just walking around the city and taking in the sights, with stops for fruit-topped waffles along the way. The Royal Galleries of Saint Hubert (Les Galeries St-Hubert) is my must-visit spot, with plenty of places to shop and dine there.
When you have two days in Brussels, you'll want to walk through the city and take it all in, from Grande-Place (Grote Markt) to Market Square (Markt). You'll come across the many colorful comic-inspired murals throughout Belgium's capital city, and don't miss a stop at the Manneken Pis fountain (you won't be able to visit a souvenir shop without seeing hundreds of trinkets depicting this famous toddler).
If you only have time for one thing, book a chocolate-making class.
You can expect cool, damp winters and mild summers in Brussels.
No matter where you start your day in Brussels, there are plenty of impressive buildings to check out, like the Brussels Town Hall (Hotel de Ville) and the Palace of Justice (Palais de Justice). A walking tour is an excellent way to get acquainted with the city during your first visit, as you have someone guiding you and providing interesting historical information.
If spending the afternoon in a museum sounds like your idea of heaven, Brussels is an excellent spot. In addition to traditional art museums like the Royal Museums of Fine Art of Belgium, there are museums focusing on vintage cars, musical instruments, chocolate, and locomotives if you prefer.
You may be surprised when you spot a large mural in Brussels depicting a comic book scene from Tin Tin or The Smurfs. Brussels is the self-proclaimed "capital of comics," and you can find the Comic Art Museum here. Walk along the Comic Strip Trail to see some of the 50+ murals throughout the city.
Belgium is world-renowned for its chocolate making, and you can find many chocolate shops throughout the city where you can purchase tasty treats to bring home as souvenirs. One of the top activities in Brussels is a chocolate-making class where you'll learn how to temper chocolate and taste some of your handiwork when you're done.
On your second afternoon, you should venture beyond the city center to check out some of Brussels' unique neighborhoods. Architecture aficionados will enjoy a walk through Ixelles, with its art nouveau buildings and streets lined with trendy cafés. The affluent Sablon district is a favorite on the weekends when the antiques market takes over.
Belgium is well known for its long-standing beer culture, and you'll find many breweries worth visiting while in Brussels, such as Brasserie Cantillon, which dates back to 1900. A beer tour is a fun way to end your day in Brussels; taste some beers and learn what distinguishes Belgian beer from other brews.
