Brussels 5 Day Itinerary

Brussels 5-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Explore the City Center

  • Breakfast at Le Pain Quotidien, Rue du Marché aux Herbes 7.
  • Start with Grand Place (Grote Markt), one of Europe’s most beautiful squares, home to the Town Hall and Maison du Roi.
  • Visit the Museum of the City of Brussels (Musee de la Ville de Bruxelles) for an in-depth look at the city’s history.
  • Walk to Manneken Pis, the famous little statue, and enjoy a waffle or Belgian frites nearby.
  • In the afternoon, explore the St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral and the nearby Bourse (Stock Exchange).
  • Dinner at Comme Chez Soi, Rue Auguste Orts 25-27, a Michelin-starred restaurant offering traditional Belgian cuisine.
  • Evening stroll in the lively area of Rue Antoine Dansaert for trendy bars and shops.

Day 2: European Quarter (Quartier Européen)

  • Breakfast at Juul’s, Place Jourdan 4, offering a variety of vegetarian and vegan options.
  • Visit the European Parliament and the European Commission buildings. Check their visit websites for guided tours.
  • Have lunch in the Atomium area, try local dishes like mussels or carbonnade (beef stew) at Au Vieux Tilleul.
  • Explore the Mini-Europe park, a miniature version of Europe’s most famous sites.
  • In the evening, enjoy drinks and tapas at Maison Dandoy, Rue Charles Galissart 90, located inside a traditional Belgian biscuit factory.

Day 3: Art and Architecture

  • Breakfast at Café Belga Queen, Place Sainte Catherine 37.
  • Visit the Magritte Museum to see works by one of Belgium’s most famous artists, René Magritte.
  • Have lunch in the Marolles district, known for its hipster vibe and artisanal food. Try Au Bon Vieux Temps for mussels and frites.
  • Explore the Horta Museum, showcasing the work of Victor Horta, considered one of the founders of Art Nouveau.
  • Dinner at Café des Fédéraux, Rue d’Isabelle 52, known for its Belgian beer selection and art deco interior.

Day 4: Green Spaces and Modern Art

  • Breakfast at Friture Lentevreugd, Boulevard du Midi 115A. Try their delicious waffles.
  • Visit the Parc du Cinquantenaire and its surrounding monuments, including the Triumphal Arch.
  • Explore the BOZAR (Centre for Fine Arts Brussels) for contemporary exhibitions.
  • Have lunch at Café Bazaar, Rue de la Regence 6, offering a variety of cuisines in a vibrant setting.
  • Spend the afternoon at the Parc du Bruklette or Jardin Botanique, Brussels’ beautiful green spaces.
  • Dinner at Le Chien Qui Fume, Rue des Capucins 25, known for its innovative and flavorful dishes.

Day 5: Day Trip (optional)

  • Depart early for a day trip to Bruges (Brugge) or Ghent, easily accessible by train. Both cities offer well-preserved medieval architecture, canals, and charming streets.
  • Return to Brussels for a farewell dinner at Chez Leon, Rue des Bouchers 23, located in the heart of the city center, serving classic Belgian dishes since 1895.

Things to Know:

  • Belgian French and Dutch (Flemish) are the official languages, but English is widely spoken.
  • Belgium is known for its chocolate, beer, and waffles; don’t miss trying these local delicacies!
  • Brussels is bike-friendly, with numerous bike rentals available throughout the city.
  • Use STIB/MIVB (Brussels’ public transport system) for easy navigation within the city. A day pass is a convenient and cost-effective option.
  • Tipping in restaurants is not mandatory but appreciated; around 10% is customary.