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Friendly disclaimer!
We want to be as accurate as possible, but given these challenging times, we urge you to recheck that the venues are open when you decide to visit.
Shaped by Dutch and French influences along with the conquests of the Belgian colonial empire, Brussels has witnessed over a millennium of Western Europe’s tumultuous history, which paved the way for the rebellious spirit and joie de vivre of its people. As proven by their national symbol – a statue of a little boy, peeing.
From being the comic strip capital of the country to the birthplace of Art Nouveau, Brussels with its ultra-modern shopping centers and unmatched monopoly over waffles, frites and everything chocolate, offers a multicultural experience that is best gauged with our three-day itinerary for the capital.
Brussels 3-day itinerary at a glance
Day 1
On your first day in Brussels, begin your trip with a tour of the Marolles flea market. From there, take a walk to the Palais Royal, once the official residence of the Belgian royal family. Right next to the palace is Brussels Park, where you can take a stroll or sit back on its sprawling lawns to admire the architectural splendour of the surrounding Royal Palace and federal parliament building. Pay a visit to the Musical Instruments Museum which houses invaluable and rare musical instruments from around the world, after which you can head to the Royal Museum of Fine Arts. Spend your evening at the Church of Our Blessed Lady of the Sablon and end your day with a beautiful view of the setting sun from Place Poelaert.
- Jeu de Balle Flea Market (Marolles Flea Market)
- Palais Royal
- Brussels Park
- Musical Instruments Museum
- Royal Museum of Fine Arts
- Église Notre Dame du Sablon
- Place Poelaert
Day 2
Start at the fountain of Manneken Pis, Belgium’s unofficial emblem. From here, the most popular square of Brussels, the Grand Place, is just a stone’s throw away. Visit the Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert for some shopping or to simply experience Belgian gastronomy at its finest. Later, make your way to the Belgian Comics Art Museum, in the former Art Nouveau warehouse built by Victor Horta himself. Take part in a chocolate walking tour (a must-do when in Brussels), after which you can relax at the open grounds of Le Botanique. Call it a day with a couple of brewskis and some puppetry at the Théâtre Royal De Toone.
- Manneken Pis
- Grand Place
- Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert
- Belgian Comics Art Museum
- Chocolate Tour
- Le Botanique
- Théâtre Royal De Toone
Day 3
On your final day, head to the Cinquantenaire Park to admire the majestic Triumphal Arch or visit the various museums there. Go back in time to the Jurassic period at the Museum of Natural Science which houses the largest collection of dinosaur exhibits in Europe. Make your way to the European Parliament to learn more about the politics of European history. Spend a relaxing evening at the emblematic Atomium and while some time away at the adjacent Laeken Park area. Head to one of the many live music venues in the city for a round of drinks and a fitting end to your three day Brussels trip.
- Cinquantenaire Park
- Museum of Natural Sciences
- European Parliament
- Atomium
- Laeken Park
- Live music performance
Detailed 3 day Brussels itinerary
Day 1
Have a stroll at the Jeu de Balle Flea Market (Marolles Flea Market)
Situated in the Marolles district of Brussels, the flea market of Jeu de Balle is the only flea market in the world that is open every day of the year. The market was established in 1854 and is frequented by antiquers, collectors and tourists for its wide variety of antique items, paintings, vintage clothes, old records, books and more across its 500 plus stalls.
Useful Information:
- Location: Place de Jeu-de-Balle
- Timings:
- Monday- Friday: 9:00 am- 2:00 pm.
- Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays: 9:00 am- 3:00 pm.
- Cost: Free entry.
- How to reach:
- Bus: Jeu de Balle (line 27, 48), Porte de Hal (line 27, 48).
- Metro: Porte de Hal (line 2, orange line or line 6, blue line).
- Tram: Porte de Hal (line 3, 4, 51), Lemonnier stop (line 3, 4, 51, 82, 32).
Visit the Palais Royal
Located in the heart of Belgium, the Royal Palace of Brussels was commissioned in the 19th century by William I. Although no longer the official royal residence, the building still operates as the headquarters of the Belgian constitutional monarchy. The palace is free to visit every summer.
Things to do:
- Explore the various decorated rooms and other elements of interest in the palace, including the main stairway and vestibule, the Large Anti-chamber of the Dutch period, the Empire Room and the Venice Staircase.
Useful Information:
- Location: Rue Brederode 16
- Timings: Summer (3rd week of July to 1st week of September): Tuesday to Sunday, 10:30 am- 5:00 pm. Closed on Mondays.
- Cost: Free entry.
- How to reach:
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- Bus: Royale (line 38, 71) or Ducale (line 21, 27, 71, 95).
- Metro: Parc (line 1 or pink line, line 5 or yellow line ).
- Tram: Palais (line 92, 94).
Relax at Parc de Bruxelles
Traditionally a royal hunting ground, the area was revamped to take on its present form in the 1770s with an abundance of well-manicured lawns, trees, fountains and sculptures. Today it is the largest urban public park in Brussels.
Things to do: Keep an eye out for the monument of Peter the Great and a sculpture of none other than Narcissus himself.
Useful Information:
- Location: Parc de Bruxelles
- Timings: Always open.
- Cost: Free entry.
- How to reach:
-
- Bus: Royale (line 38, 71) or Ducale (line 21, 27, 71, 95).
- Metro: Parc (line 1, pink line or line 5, yellow line ).
- Tram: Palais (line 92, 94).
Discover the Musical Instruments Museum
Established in 1877 with the original collections of Belgian musicologists François-Joseph Fétis and Rajah Sourindro Mohun Tagore, the Musical Instruments Museum has a collection of over 7000 instruments. Located in a stunning Art Nouveau building, the museum has two sections that focus on historical musical instruments and modern music.
Things to do:
- Have fun at the Atelier, an interactive activity space complementary to the exhibition rooms, where music comes to life through various workshops for children and adults.
- Browse through the extensive collection of literature on music and musical instruments at the MIM Library
- Dine at its rooftop restaurant, which offers a beautiful view of Brussels.
Useful Information:
- Location: Rue Montagne de la Cour 2
- Timings:
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- Tuesday- Friday: 9:30 am- 5:00 pm.
- Saturdays, Sundays and holidays: 10:00 am- 5:00 pm.
- Cost:
- Regular Rate: €15
- Seniors of ages 65+: €13
- Full-time students and the unemployed: €8
- Free entry for children of ages 0-18 and the disabled.
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- Website: http://www.mim.be/en
- How to reach:
-
- Bus: Royale (line 38, 71) or Ducale (line 21, 27, 71, 95).
- Metro: Parc (line 1 or pink line, line 5 or yellow line ).
- Tram: Palais (line 92, 94).
Explore the Royal Museums of Fine Arts
This complex of six museums is dedicated to Belgian and Flemish artists and artistic traditions. Their collections trace the history of fine arts in Belgium back from the 1400s to the present day.
Things to do:
- Visit the Magritte Museum, the Fin-de-Siècle Museum, the Oldmasters Museum, the Modern Museum, the Meunier Museum and the Wiertz Museum;
- Visit the Museum Café for drinks and a quick snack or the Art Club, a pop-up restaurant near Museum Magritte for a relaxing lunch.
Useful Information:
- Location: Rue de la Régence 3
- Timings:
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- Tuesday- Friday: 10:00 am- 5:00 pm.
- Saturdays and Sundays: 11:00 am- 6:00 pm.
- Cost: Starting from € 10
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- Website: https://www.fine-arts-museum.be/en
- How to reach:
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- Bus: Royale (line 38, 71) or Ducale (line 21, 27, 71, 95).
- Metro: Parc (line 1 or pink line, line 5 or yellow line).
- Tram: Royale (line 92, 94).
Pay a visit to Église Notre Dame du Sablon
Constructed in the 15th century, the Church of Our Blessed Lady of the Sablon is a prominent Roman Catholic church characterized by its late Gothic architecture and Baroque chapels. Visited by many pilgrims since the middle ages, the church has been admired for its beautiful Baroque sculptures, murals and stained glass windows.
Useful Information:
- Location: Rue des Sablons
- Timings:
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- Monday- Friday: 9:00 am- 6:30 pm.
- Saturdays and Sundays: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm.
- Cost: Free entry.
- How to reach:
- Bus: Petit Sablon (line 27, 95).
- Tram: Petit Sablon, (line 92, 94).
Enjoy the sunset at Place Poelaert
If you’re looking for the perfect sunset view with the emblematic Atomium in the distance, Place Poelaert is the spot for you. Spend your evening at the Palais de Justice, the most important Law Court in Belgium and make your way towards the free public elevator, at sunset for one of the best viewing spots overlooking the city.
Useful Information:
- Location: Place Poelaert
- Timings: Always open.
- Cost: Free entry.
- How to reach:
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- Metro: Louise (line 2, orange line or line 6, blue line).
- Tram: Poelaert (line 92 and 93).
Day 2
Spot the Manneken Pis
The Manneken Pis, a statue of a small naked boy urinating into a fountain’s basin has become a national symbol of Brussels and the object of numerous legends and heists. Interestingly, the statue is also dressed several times a week in elaborate costumes, some of which in the past were that of Elvis Presley, Dracula and Santa Claus.
Useful Information:
- Timings: Always open.
- Cost: Free entry.
- How to reach:
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- Bus: Manneken-Pis (line 33), Grand-Place (lines 33, 48, 95).
- Metro: Bourse (line 1 or pink line, line 5 or yellow line), Gare Centrale (line 1 or pink line, line 5 or yellow line).
Tour the Grand Place
Known as one of the most beautiful squares in Europe, the Grand Place is the central square of Brussels surrounded by the impressive City Hall, the Brussels City Museum, the neo-Gothic King’s House and the magnificent Baroque guildhalls. The square is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and hosts many cultural events throughout the year, notably the annual installation of a spectacular flower carpet.
Things to do:
- Visit the Brussels City Museum, which houses many relics of national importance such as the original bronze statue of Manneken Pis.
- Guided tours of the City Hall are possible on Wednesdays and Sundays.
Useful Information:
- Location: Grote Markt
- Timings: Always open.
- Cost: Free entry.
- How to reach:
-
- Bus: Grand-Place (lines 33, 48, 95).
- Metro: Gare Centrale (line 1 or pink line, line 5 or yellow line).
Shop at the Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert
Built in the mid-19th century, the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert was the first glazed shopping arcade in Europe. This Florentine Renaissance-style arcade is covered by an inventive glass roof and houses several jewellers, chocolate shops, boutiques, restaurants, bars and even a small theatre and cinema.
Things to do:
- Explore the beauty and fashion stores in the complex. Find ethically sourced fashionable apparel at Akaso or exquisite perfumes and novel jewellery at Les Ecuadors
- You can also grab quick refreshments at the Aksum Coffee House, or take your time to experience European gastronomy in-depth at Comptoir des Galeries or Le Marmiton. Satiate your craving for ice cream at Häagen-Dazs.
Useful Information:
- Location: Galerie du Roi 5
- Timings: Always open.
- Cost: Free entry.
- Website: https://www.grsh.be/en/home/
- How to reach:
-
- Bus: Arenberg (line 29, 38, 63, 66, 71, 86).
- Metro: Gare Centrale (line 1 or pink line, line 5 or yellow line).
- Tram: Bourse (line 3, 4, 31, 32 and 33).
Visit the Belgian Comics Art Museum
Housed in the Art Nouveau warehouse of architectural pioneer Victor Horta, the Belgian Comics Art Museum has been paying tribute to the creators of the art of comics for over three decades. The museum offers an in-depth insight into the history of comics, starting from the first examples of comic art to the preserved works of important comic artists.
Things to do:
- Browse through the comic strip library which houses more than 60,000 important works
- Pay a visit to the Slumberland Bookshop, which offers a wide variety of comics, manga, children’s books and art equipment.
Useful Information:
- Location: Rue des Sables 20
- Timings:
-
- Wednesday- Sunday: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.
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- Closed on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, 25th December and 1st January.
- Cost:
-
- Regular rate: €12.
- People aged 12-25 and 65+: €9.
- Children aged 0-12: €5.
- Family rate (2 adults + 2 children): €32.
- Website: https://www.comicscenter.net/en/home
- How to reach:
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- Bus: Anspach-de Brouckere (lines 29, 38, 63, 66, 71, 86).
- Metro: Botanique (line 2, orange line or line 6, blue line), De Brouckère (line 1 or pink line, line 5 or yellow line), Rogier, (line 2, orange line or line 6, blue line).
- Tram: De Boukere (line 3, 4, 31, 32 and 33).
Sign up for a Chocolate Tour
Internationally reputed for the quality and extravagance of its chocolates ever since its colonisation of Congo, a chocolate tour while in the country is a must. Some of the popular chocolate walking tours are offered by Groovy Brussels, Global Enterprises and Hungry Mary.
Useful Information:
Cost and Timings: Depends on the tour chosen.
Explore Le Botanique
An official cultural centre for the French Community in Belgium, it is also a refuge for lovers of both music and nature. After a failed attempt at converting it into a National Botanical Garden in 1970, the area was later renamed ‘Le Botanique’ and began hosting concerts and exhibitions in its massive greenhouse. Today, it is one of the most popular music and art venues in Brussels.
Things to do:
- Stroll around the well-maintained gardens of Le Botanique or attend one of the many amazing temporary exhibitions or music concerts that Le Botanique hosts.
- While you’re at it, grab some authentic Italian food at Le Botanique’s Café Bota.
Useful Information:
- Location: Rue Royale 236
- Timings:
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- Monday- Friday: 12:00 pm- 6:00 pm.
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- When an exhibition is in session, Monday- Sunday: 12:00 pm- 6:00 pm.
- Closes at 9:00 pm on days when a concert is scheduled.
- Cost: Varies depending on the show or exhibit.
- Website: https://botanique.be/en
- How to reach:
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- Bus: Botanique (line 270, 271, 272, 470, 620), Sint-Joost-ten-Node Kruidtuin (line 318, 351, 358, 410), Saint Louis (line 61, 270, 271, 272, 318, 351, 358, 410, 470, 620).
- Metro: Botanique (line 2, orange line or line 6, blue line).
- Tram: Gillon (line 92, 93).
Grab a beer at Théâtre Royal De Toone
Founded in 1830, the Théâtre Royal De Toone is the only remaining puppet theatre in Belgium. Relax and have a brewski from the in-house tavern while watching marionettes play out stories ranging from romantic dialogues to sword fights. The theatre also offers traditional Belgian Trappist beer, which makes it one of the 7 Best Belgian Brewskis in Brussels.
Useful Information:
- Location: Rue du Marché Aux Herbes 66
- Timings:
-
- Bar: Tuesday- Friday, 12:00 pm onwards.
- Shows:
- Thursday and Friday: 8:30 pm- 10:30 pm.
- Saturday: 4:00 pm- 6:00 pm and 8:30 pm- 10:30 pm.
- Closed on Mondays.
- Cost:
-
- Entry fee: €12.
- Reduced rate on Tuesday night and Saturday noon (for children, students and seniors aged 65+): €9.
- Website: http://www.toone.be/
- How to reach:
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- Bus: Grand-Place (lines 33, 48, 95).
- Metro: Gare Centrale (line 1 or pink line, line 5 or yellow line).
Day 3
Have a picnic at Cinquantenaire Park
Towered by the Triumphal Arch, the Cinquantenaire Park was built in 1880 to commemorate Belgium’s 50 years of independence. With its beautiful grass lawns dotted with sculptures, tall trees and impressive architecture, the park is the perfect place to lay down a picnic blanket and enjoy your breakfast. The park also houses a handful of museums that are worth a visit if you have the time.
Things to do:
- Spot the Triumphal Arch of the Cinquantenaire Palace with three arches and a bronze quadriga on the top;
- Pay homage to Belgian Architect Victor Horta’s Pavilion of Human Passions;
- If you’re a car enthusiast, do not miss out on Autoworld, a vintage car museum that explores the history of cars and houses relics of different brands and countries.
- Visit the Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History, where you can learn more about the important military events in Belgian history;
- One can also explore the Art & History Museum of Belgium located inside the park.
Useful Information:
- Location: Parc du Cinquantenaire
- Timings: Always open.
- Cost: Free entry.
- How to reach:
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- Bus: Merode (line 27, 61, 80).
- Metro: Merode (line 1 or pink line, line 5 or yellow line).
- Tram: Merode (line 81).
Visit the Museum of Natural Sciences
Famous for housing the largest gallery of dinosaurs in Europe, the Museum of Natural Sciences of Belgium explores the history, origin and evolution of different species. You can find over 1000 exhibits, which are undoubtedly national treasures, to demonstrate the evolutionary biology and history of life on earth as we know it.
Useful Information:
- Location: Rue Vautier 29
- Timings:
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- Tuesday to Friday: 9:30 am to 5:00 pm
- Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
- On Belgian School Holidays: Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
- Closed on Mondays.
- Cost (Permanent exhibitions):
-
- Regular rate: €7.
- Seniors aged 65+ and the disabled: €6.
- Children aged 6-17: €4.50.
- Free entry for children under the age of 6.
- Free visits on the first Wednesday of the month after 1 pm.
- How to reach:
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- Bus: Idalie (line 38, 95), Museum (line 34, 80).
- Metro: Maelbeek/Maalbeek (line 1 or pink line, line 5 or yellow line), Trône/Troon (line 2, orange line or line 6, blue line).
Explore the European Parliament
The European Parliament is the most important platform for political debate and decision making in the European Union and seeks to promote democracy and fundamental human rights across Europe and the rest of the world. At the Parliament, you will be able to gain a deeper insight into the political history of Europe and the workings of the EU.
Things to do:
- Explore the Parlamentarium, where a series of multimedia guides help to understand the functions of the European Union and the challenges it faces
- Visit the European Parliament Hemicycle, where the members of the EU gather to discuss and debate various important transnational matters
- Pay a visit to the exhibitions of the House of European History, which explains in detail the history of Europe,its past and present challenges
Useful Information:
- Location: Rue de Trèves 3
- Timings:
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- Parlamentarium and House of European History:
- Friday: 9:00 am- 6:00 pm.
- Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 am- 6:00 pm.
- Closed on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, 1st January, 1st May, 1st November, 24th, 25th and 31st December.
- European Parliament Hemicycle:
- Varies depending on Plenary sessions. For more information, check the official website.
- Parlamentarium and House of European History:
- Cost: Free entry. Entry to the European Parliament Hemicycle varies depending on the number of seats available.
- How to reach:
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- Bus: Luxemburg (line 22, 27, 34, 38, 64, 80, 95, Airport line).
- Metro: Maelbeek/Maalbeek (line 1 or pink line, line 5 or yellow line), Trône/Troon (line 2, orange line or line 6, blue line).
Catch the Panorama from the Atomium
Originally constructed for the 1958 Brussels Expo 58, the Atomium is a landmark building, an architectural feat and an international symbol of Belgium. Six of the nine spheres of the Atomium are open to the public, including the topmost one which houses a viewpoint and the Atomium restaurant.
Things to do:
- Explore the history and significance of the Atomium through a permanent exhibition in Level 1, 2 and 7
- Soak in the beauty of Brussels at the Panorama in Level 7, where, if the weather is clear enough, you can also spot the city of Antwerp
- Dine at the Atomium restaurant in Level 7, suspended over 100 metres from the ground
- Visit the adjacent Mini Europe, a park that offers miniature models of the most prominent monuments, palaces and buildings of Europe.
Useful Information:
- Location: Place de l’Atomium 1
- Timings: Friday- Monday: 10:00 am- 6:00 pm.
- Cost:
- Regular rate: €16.
- Seniors aged 65+: €14.
- Children between the height of 115 cm or over and the age of 17: €8.50.
- Disabled persons: €8.50.
- Free entry for children less than the height of 115 cm.
- Website: https://atomium.be/Home/Index
- How to reach:
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- Bus: Heizel (line 14, 83).
- Metro: Heizel (line 6 or blue line).
- Tram: Heizel (line 7).
Relax at Laeken Park
Built in the late 19th century the Laeken Park was designed incorporating a diverse array of styles from different cultures and periods in history. This led to the creation of spaces including the Colonial garden, Osseghem park, the garden of the Japanese tower and others, interconnected with a green promenade.
Useful Information:
- Location: Parc de Laeken
- Timings: Always open.
- Cost: Free entry.
- Website: http://www.laeken.brussels/en/
- How to reach:
-
- Bus: Heizel (line 14, 83).
- Metro: Heizel (line 6 or blue line).
- Tram: Heizel (line 7).
Attend a live music performance
Brussels has an amazing music scene from classic Jazz clubs to steamy salsa venues and intimate blues bars. Spend your final evening at the Belgian capital dining at one of its many popular live music venues such as the Music Village or L’Archiduc.
If you’re spending more time and wish to dive deeper into Belgian culture, check out the 7 best Belgian brewskis in Brussels.
