Brussels, Belgium 5 Day Itinerary

Title: 5-Day Itinerary for Exploring Brussels, Belgium

Day 1: Arrival & Grand Place

  • Morning: Check into your hotel (recommendations: Hotel Le Châtelain, NH Collection Brussels Bloom, or Maison Ravensteyn). Freshen up and have a hearty breakfast at the hotel or nearby cafés.

  • Afternoon: Visit the iconic Grand Place, one of Europe’s most beautiful squares. Marvel at the opulent guildhalls and the Brabantine Gothic style of Town Hall, King’s House, and the Maison du Roi. Don’t forget to visit the Museum of the City of Brussels for a deeper understanding of the city’s history.

  • Evening: Savor traditional Belgian cuisine at ‘Comme Chez Soi’, one of the best restaurants in Belgium, located nearby Grand Place. Try the famous Moules Frites (mussels with fries).

Day 2: Art & Atomium

  • Morning: Head to Musée d’Ixelles (Magritte Museum) to explore the works of René Magritte, one of Belgium’s most famous surrealist artists. Then, visit BOZAR Center for Fine Arts to enjoy contemporary art and culture exhibitions.

  • Afternoon: Take a short trip to Atomium, a symbol of the 1958 World Expo. Explore the spheres showcasing different aspects of the universe. Enjoy the panoramic view from the top sphere’s terrace.

  • Evening: Dine at ‘Au Bon Vieux Temps’, a charming restaurant offering traditional Belgian dishes in a medieval setting.

Day 3: European Quarter & Beer Tasting

  • Morning: Explore the European Quarter, home to numerous EU institutions. Visit the European Parliament and European Commission headquarters. Don’t miss the stunning Berlaymont Building and Justus Lipsius Building.

  • Afternoon: Discover the Delirium Village, where you can find more than 2000 different beers at ‘Delirium Cafe’. Participate in a guided beer tasting session to learn about Belgium’s rich brewing history.

  • Evening: Have dinner at ‘Chez Moeder Lambic’, a gastropub offering excellent food paired with artisanal beers.

Day 4: Modern & Charming Neighborhoods

  • Morning: Venture into the vibrant Marolles neighborhood, known for its antique shops and the famous flea market ‘Marché du Midi’. Wander around the colorful Rue Blanche.

  • Afternoon: Visit the St. Gudule Cathedral, a Roman Catholic church showcasing stunning architecture and beautiful stained glass windows. Next, explore the trendy Saint-Jean neighbourhood, filled with street art, independent boutiques, and cafés.

  • Evening: Dine at ‘Friture de la Place’, a renowned friterie in the heart of Marolles, offering delicious Belgian fries.

Day 5: Brussels’ Hidden Gems & Departure

  • Morning: Discover the lesser-known gems of Brussels, such as the Horta Museum (Maison Autrique), Botanical Garden (Jardin botanique de Bruxelles) and the Royal Greenhouses of Laeken.

  • Afternoon: Spend your last hours exploring the beautiful Parc du Cinquantenaire or do some last-minute shopping in the city center before heading to the airport.

Transportation: Brussels has an excellent public transportation system (STIB-MIVB). Buy a MOBIB card for unlimited travel on trams, buses, and metros. Bikes are also widely used; consider renting one to explore the city at your own pace.

Tips:

  • Always keep some small change handy as many public toilets require a coin to enter.
  • Belgians usually speak Dutch, French, and English. However, it’s always appreciated if you try speaking in their language.
  • Avoid visiting on weekends or national holidays if possible, as the city can get quite crowded.
  • Remember to tip around 10% of the bill in restaurants.