Brussels, Belgium 3 Day Itinerary

Brussels 3-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Explore the City Center

Morning:

  • Start your day with a hearty Belgian breakfast at Cafe Belga Queen (Rue d’Arenberg 3), known for its variety of waffles and pancakes.
  • Visit the iconic Grand Place, one of the most beautiful squares in the world, surrounded by ornate guildhalls and two towering cathedrals. Don’t forget to take a photo with Manneken Pis!
  • Explore Museum of the City of Brussels (Musee de la Ville de Bruxelles), located on the Grand Place, to learn about the city’s history and culture.

Afternoon:

  • Head to Parc du Cinquantenaire and visit the Autoworld Museum or the Art & History Museum.
  • Take a stroll along the Avenue Louise, known for its high-end shopping stores, trendy cafes, and restaurants.
  • Have lunch at Au Bon Foin (Chaussée de Waterloo 120), a cozy restaurant offering traditional Belgian dishes.

Evening:

  • Visit the Atomium, an iconic landmark of Brussels, built for the 1958 World Expo. Enjoy a panoramic view of the city from the top spheres.
  • Have dinner at Comme Chez Soi (Rue Auguste Orts 25), one of Europe’s oldest and most famous restaurants with an extensive menu of Belgian classics.

Transportation: Brussels is easy to navigate by foot, but you can also use the efficient public transportation system, including trams, buses, and metro (MIVB/STIB). Consider getting a 24-hour or 72-hour transport ticket for unlimited travel.

Day 2: Art and Chocolate

Morning:

  • Start your day at the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium (Musées Royaux des Beaux-Arts de Belgique), home to a vast collection of Flemish and Belgian art.
  • Head to Magritte Museum to explore the works of one of Belgium’s most famous surrealist artists, René Magritte.
  • Have lunch at Le Pain Quotidien (Rue Antoine Dansaert 78), offering a variety of sandwiches, salads, and pastries.

Afternoon:

  • Visit the Brussels Chocolate Museum to learn about the history and production of Belgian chocolate. Don’t forget to taste some pralines!
  • Take a short walk to the European Parliament and European Commission buildings, symbolizing Brussels as the capital of Europe.
  • Explore the lively neighborhood of Saint-Gilles, known for its vibrant street art, boutiques, and restaurants.

Evening:

  • Have dinner at Chez Leon (Rue des Bouchers 23), a traditional seafood restaurant near the Grand Place, offering a variety of fish dishes.
  • End your day with a visit to one of Brussels’ many bars, such as Delirium Cafe (Impasse de la Fidèle 47) or Au Baron Vert (Rue des Bouchers 38), known for their extensive beer menus.

Day 3: Modern Art and Beer

Morning:

  • Visit the BOZAR Centre for Fine Arts (Palais des Beaux-Arts) to check out contemporary art exhibitions.
  • Head to Les Ateliers (Place du Jeu de Balle 12) for a brunch featuring a mix of Belgian and international dishes.

Afternoon:

  • Take a short train ride to the neighborhood of Saint-Gilles and visit the Museum of Modern Art (Musée d’Art Moderne et Contemporain de la Ville de Bruxelles).
  • Head to the famous Abbaye de la Cambre, where you can enjoy a drink in a peaceful garden setting.

Evening:

  • Have dinner at La Quincaillerie (Rue du Fossé aux Loups 9), known for its inventive and modern take on Belgian cuisine.
  • Spend your last evening exploring the vibrant nightlife in the Marolles neighborhood or in the Rue des Bouchers area near the Grand Place.