Brussels, Belgium 7 Day Itinerary

7-Day Itinerary for Exploring Brussels, Belgium

Day 1: Arrival & Grand Place

  • 🏨 Accommodation: Book a hotel near the Grand Place like Le Dixseptieme or Hotel Manos Premier.
  • 🌐 Getting Around: Brussels has an extensive public transport system, including trams, buses, and metro. Buy a MOBIB card for unlimited travel within the city.
  • 🗺️ Activities: Visit the iconic Grand Place, admire the Gothic architecture of Town Hall, King’s House, and Maison du Roi.
  • 🍴 Food: Try some Belgian waffles (Gaufres de Liège) at Waffle Factory or Le Funambule.
  • 🕒 Tip: The Grand Place is especially beautiful at night when it’s lit up.

Day 2: Atomium, Mini-Europe & Heysel Park

  • 🚗 Transport: Take the metro (line 6) to Heizel/Heysel station.
  • 🏛️ Activities: Explore the iconic Atomium, visit Mini-Europe park to see miniature models of European landmarks. Stroll around Heysel Park and enjoy a picnic.
  • 🍴 Food: Lunch at ’t Kroonke, a traditional Belgian restaurant in Heysel Park.
  • ⏰ Tip: Check the opening hours for Atomium and Mini-Europe before your visit.

Day 3: European Quarter & Parc du Cinquantenaire

  • 🚌 Transport: Take tram 92 or metro (line 1, 5) to Schuman station.
  • 🏛️ Activities: Visit the European Parliament and the Commission, walk around the EU district. Check out the Triumphal Arch at Parc du Cinquantenaire.
  • 🍴 Food: Lunch at Le Pain Quotidien or Café Mimi in the European Quarter.
  • ⏰ Tip: Some areas require ID to enter, make sure you have a passport or ID card.

Day 4: Royal Museums of Fine Arts & Magritte Museum

  • 🚎 Transport: Take tram 93 or 94 from the European Quarter to Montgomery station.
  • 🏛️ Activities: Spend the day exploring the Royal Museums of Fine Arts and the nearby Magritte Museum.
  • 🍴 Food: Lunch at Comme Chez Soi, a Michelin-starred restaurant.
  • ⏰ Tip: Check the opening hours and consider purchasing combination tickets for both museums to save money.

Day 5: Jeanneke Pis, Manneken Pis & Brussels Beer Experience

  • 🚌 Transport: Take tram 32 or metro (line 1, 5) to De Brouckère station.
  • 🗺️ Activities: Visit the famous peeing statues – Jeanneke Pis and Manneken Pis. Explore the historic center and the Brussels Beer Experience for an in-depth look at Belgian beer culture.
  • 🍴 Food: Lunch at La Quincaillerie, a cozy café near Grand Place.
  • ⏰ Tip: Manneken Pis is dressed in various costumes throughout the year, check out the schedule online.

Day 6: Bruges Day Trip

  • 🚆 Transport: Take a train from Brussels North Station to Bruges (approx. 1 hour).
  • 🏛️ Activities: Spend the day exploring the charming town of Bruges, visit the Belfry tower, Market Square, and canals.
  • 🍴 Food: Lunch at ’t Smisje or Den Gyselinck.
  • ⏰ Tip: Consider booking a boat tour to see the city from the water.

Day 7: Last Day & Departure

  • 🌐 Getting Around: Spend your last day exploring any sights you might have missed or revisiting favorite spots.
  • 🍴 Food: Have a farewell dinner at Aux Armes de Bruxelles, a historic inn serving traditional Belgian dishes.
  • ⏰ Tip: Depending on your flight time, you may want to visit the Brussels Airport City2Shop for some last-minute shopping.

Enjoy your trip to Brussels! Remember to tip in restaurants (about 10%), be polite, and embrace the local culture.