Welcome to Brussels, where history meets modernity in the fascinating capital of Belgium and the European Union. While 24 hours may seem short, this compact city offers a perfect blend of iconic landmarks, delicious cuisine and cultural treasures within walking distance. From the stunning Grand Place to the charming cobblestone streets, from the quirky statues to the vibrant neighbourhood spots, a visit to Brussels is an invitation to discover an often underrated part of Europe. Let’s make every moment count in this whirlwind adventure with this tailor-made itinerary!
What to do with 1 day in Brussels, Belgium?
8 a.m: Shop at the flea market at Place du Jeu de Balle
Start your day in Brussels with some budget-friendly shopping and friendly encounters! Every day from six in the morning, the Place du Jeu de Balle hosts a flea market where you can find all kinds of antiques. It’s a nice stroll and an opportunity to find souvenirs for yourself or your friends.
10 a.m: Taste the famous Belgian waffles
Waffles are a staple of the Belgian food. The cities of Brussels and Liege have always competed for the title of best waffle in the world. In the capital, however, tourist traps abound and one-euro waffle stands dot the landscape. For a homerun spot, try the Waffle Factory (30 rue du Lombard). No one comes here for the atmosphere, but everyone returns for the taste.
10:30 a.m.: Manneken Pis
Manneken Pis is not just a symbol of Brussels; it’s a delightful and whimsical icon that adds a touch of humor to the city. Nestled at the intersection of Rue de l’Étuve and Rue du Chêne, right next to the Waffle Factory, this cheeky little statue has a well-established reputation for his playful antics.
Whether he’s dressed in one of his many costumes or simply standing in his birthday suit, Manneken Pis never fails to bring a smile to the faces of those who stop by to admire him. It’s a quirky experience you won’t want to miss!
11:00 a.m: Visit the Grand Place — the top thing to see and do in Brussels
A few minutes’ walk from the statue, you can continue your discovery of the city at the Grand-Place. Listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, this central square, where Gothic style meets Louis XIV architecture, is essentially the heart of Brussels and home to some of the city’s most important monuments. These include the City Hall, dating from 1455, the Royal Palace, rebuilt in 1873, and the House of the Dukes of Brabant, dating from 1770.
It’s easy to see why the Grand Place has become the top tourist attraction in Brussels!
12 p.m: Go to St Michael and St Gudula’s Cathedral
After passing through the sumptuous Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert on your way here, you enter this beautiful Gothic cathedral, which fascinates art historians and architecture lovers. Construction of the cathedral began in 1226 and was completed in 1500. It is said to contain a cross from the year 1000.
2 p.m.: Ride a bike for the best sightseeing
Why not discover the capital by bike? This is a substainable and great way to discover Brussels (and also so much fun!), which is best seen on two wheels thanks to its 60 km of green promenades that surround the city center like a ribbon of nature. For the less sporty, you can choose an electric bike and easily climb to the Mont des Arts for a breathtaking panoramic view of Brussels, or discover the rich history of Saint-Giles district. Guides offer original themed tours, from Art Nouveau to hidden beer spots.
4 p.m.: See the museums
The centre of the capital is also full of museums. It would be a shame not to visit at least one during your 24 hours in Brussels!
- The Magritte Museum on the Place Royale is probably the most fascinating. The famous Belgian artist is the author of the painting “The Treachery of Images”, which depicts a pipe with the inscription “This is not a pipe”.
- The Belgian Comic Strip Centre is another interesting option and will appeal to both young and old.
Finally, if you are lucky enough to have sunshine on your only day in Brussels and you prefer to spend your time outdoors, opt for the Cinquantenaire museum, which houses works of art and historical objects. Continue with a stroll in the beautiful Cinquantenaire park next door; the golden hour is the best time to visit!
6 p.m.: Have a chocolate tasting — a must do!
Thanks to its colonial past, Belgium is a city full of chocolate shops. In fact, the Belgians took control of the Congo in the 1880s and brought cocoa from Africa. Today, there are countless major Belgian chocolate companies. Think of Godiva, Côte d’Or, Neuhaus and Leonidas. They are all based in Brussels!
But some artisanal chocolatiers are now competing with the giants. Chocolatier Laurent Gerbaud, for example, offers unusual flavours such as dried pear, candied ginger and dried fig.
7 p.m.: Finish the day off with Belgium’s top beers
- Round off your day in Brussels atMoeder Lambic, a beloved craft beer institution near Place Fontainas. Their expert staff guides visitors through an impressive selection of 40 draft beers and rare bottles from across Belgium.
- For a more historic atmosphere, duck into the centuries-old À la Mort Subite, where wooden panels and vintage mirrors create the perfect setting for sampling traditional lambic and gueuze beers. The bar’s namesake beer pairs wonderfully with local cheese plates.
- Looking for something contemporary? The Brussels Beer Project taproom showcases innovative brews that blend Belgian tradition with modern craft techniques. Their rotating taps feature unique creations like mango-infused ales and barrel-aged specialties.
Travel tips for planning one day in Brussels
Is Brussels a walkable city?
Indeed it is! This is what makes it so easy to visit the city on foot and not waste any time moving from one point of interest to the next. Although there is a very efficient public transport system, with such a short time in the city, walking is simply the best option to really soak up the atmosphere of the city.
Is 24 hours enough in Brussels and is it worth going for just a day?
No and yes. The locals will tell you that a lifetime isn’t enough to really understand Brussels and fully appreciate its layers, its history and its eccentricities. But if you really have just one day, and you’re prepared to get up early and walk a good distance, you’ll get a good sense of the town. And it might just give you the motivation you need to come back and pay it a proper visit!
Cover photo: Jean-Paul Remy/visit.brussels
