Brussels is a vibrant city that seamlessly blends history, modernity and diversity as the capital of Belgium and of the European Union. Often overlooked, this lively city has plenty to offer to everyone, with fascinating museums, a thriving art scene, gorgeous architecture and a rich history.
I have been living in Brussels for some time now, so I wanted to present you the essential experiences that make Brussels a must-see destination, the best things to see and do in Belgium’s capital, to try and capture its uniqueness, even if you are only staying in the city for two days.
Brussels is a relatively small city, so while there are quite a few items on this list, seeing everything is easily doable in two days, or even in just one day if you like a faster rhythm to your holidays. There are many more things to see in Brussels, but these are truly, in my opinion, the must-sees for short stays.
Best things to see and do in Brussels in 2 days
The Grand Place
Located at the very heart of the city, the Grand Place is a beautiful square listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is surrounded by stunning ornate buildings dating back to the 17th century, including the Town Hall and the former house of the King. Stepping into the square for the first time is an amazing experience, as you get to admire the beautiful Bell Tower of the Town Hall, the gilded details of the houses and the impressive architecture all around you.
The Grand Place is really the must-see in Brussels and the most famous part of the city. Combine it with a walk around the historical centre of Brussels by getting lost in the narrow alleyways and cute cobblestoned streets, including my favourite, the rue du Marché aux Herbes (street of the herbs market – doesn’t it sound cute?).
Manneken Pis
Another must-see in Brussels is the Manneken Pis. Put it simply, it is a small fountain with a statue of a little boy peeing. It has been there since the 15th century and has gradually become one of the landmarks of Brussels and Belgium in general. Why, you ask? Apparently Belgians saw it as a symbol of the local’s temperament: irreverent, self-derisive and joyful. During big events, he is sometimes seen wearing clothes, that you can check out at the Garde Robe Manneken Pis museum.
The Royal Galleries
While you’re in the historical centre, make sure to check out the stunning Galeries Royales, one of the oldest covered galleries in Europe. There, you’ll find plenty of elegant shops, cafés and chocolate stores, as well as a theatre and a beautiful bookshop.
Stop by La Belgique gourmande to taste different sorts of sweets before heading to Maison Dandoy for a delicious waffle or to try their famous speculoos (spiced biscuit). After that, wander around the beautiful Tropismes bookstore and get some heavenly Belgian chocolates at Neuhaus.
The Royal Palace and its Park
Even though the Belgian royal family now lives in Laeken, the Royal Palace is still their official residence. It is only open to visits from late July to late August, so you may not be able to see inside, but it is still worth checking out from the outside. After admiring the architecture of this beautiful building, enjoy a nice walk in the Parc de Bruxelles, sitting right in front of it, and stop for a nice drink in one of the cute bars inside.
Mont des Arts
The Mont des Arts is a large area that serves as the junction between the upper and lower part of Brussels. It means in French “hill of the arts”, and it is exactly what it is: with street musicians, Belgium’s main library and many museums nearby, it is the perfect place to relax and walk around its beautiful gardens. What is most spectacular in the Mont des Arts though is the view of Brussels’ Old Town and its Town Hall, that is stunning at any time of the year!
Museum area
Located right on top of the Mont des Arts, in the upper part of Brussels, the museum area is centred around Place Royale and is part of what is called the “Royal Quarter”. There, you have several museums within a very short walking distance, sometimes right in front of the other. Walking around to admire the neoclassical buildings is absolutely a must-do, especially if you pass in front of the Musical Instruments Museum, with its incredibly intricate façade. Then, you can decide which museum speaks most to you, and you’ll have plenty of options to choose from!
Marolles district
The Marolles district is known for its authenticity and its history, that dates back to the Middle Ages. Nowadays, you’ll find there plenty of vintage and second-hand shops, antique stores and beautiful old buildings next to trendy bars, traditional cafés and colourful street art and murals.
Don’t miss its flea market on place du Jeu de balle, taking place each morning. If you’re still keen on shopping after that, there are many vintage and second-hand shops on rue Haute and rue Blaes.
Sablon district
In the past, the nobility used to live in the Sablon neighbourhood, and it still has an elegant and chic vibe. It is very close to the Marolles district, and the two sort of blend together in a way, though the Sablon area has a bit more of a fancy atmosphere. Wander about its narrow cobblestoned streets, beautiful historical buildings and cute shops, then don’t miss the spectacular Notre Dame du Sablon gothic cathedral and the quiet gardens nearby.
If you fancy something to eat, you can grab a donut at Coco Donuts, get a delicious brunch at Crème or try a fantastic Vietnamese vegan dish at Liu Lin.
Palace of Justice
The Palais de Justice is one of the most noticeable buildings in Brussels, with its huge golden cupola overlooking the city. At the time of its construction, it was the largest building ever built, but it is now covered in scaffoldings as the cost of its renovation is too high… since the 1980’s. It is still a beautiful monument to check out, and when you are there, you should definitely stop at the Place Poelaert and admire the stunning view over Brussels.
Cathedral of St Michael and St Gudula
The St Michael and St Gudula cathedral, also known as the Brussels Cathedral, is a masterpiece of gothic architecture located a few minutes away from the historical centre. It was built in the 13th century and took 300 years to complete, and you’ll understand why when you stand in front of its massive doors. It is also beautiful from the inside and doesn’t take too long to visit, so it is well worth checking out!
Taste local delicacies: waffles, chocolate, beer and fries
A visit to Brussels wouldn’t be complete without a taste of at least one of the local delicacies. Famous for its waffles, chocolate, beer and fries, there are plenty of places to choose from for an on-the-go snack, delicious souvenirs or a refreshing pint.
I have tried many during my years living here, and here are the places I’d recommend to first-time visitors:
- For waffles, head to the famous Maison Dandoy. There are several stores in the centre but I love the one located in Galerie du Roi for its beautiful surroundings.
- For chocolate, my go-to is absolutely the Neuhaus brand, which honestly has the best chocolates I have ever tasted – perfect for a gift too!
- For beer, if you want to avoid the very touristic Delirium Café, the Moeder Lambic has a huge selection of some of the best Belgian beers.
- For fries, I feel like each person living in Brussels has their favourite, but I personally really like the ones from Maison Antoine. If you are vegetarian or vegan, be aware that usually fries in Belgium are fried in animal fat!
Useful information:
How long to stay in Brussels
Brussels is a small city that has a lot to offer, so you can stay for a day, a week-end or a whole week and still find something to do or a place to explore in or around the city. You can visit the historical centre, which is the most touristy part, in two days quite easily, depending on the activities you do. The whole centre of Brussels can also be seen quite quickly in an afternoon if you don’t stop to wander around or in a museum.
When to go to Brussels?
Any time of the year is good to visit Brussels, though the city truly comes to life in spring and summer, with many music festivals, longer days and cafés putting their tables and chairs outdoors.
The winters can be a bit rainy and windy, but there are definitely less tourists, except around Christmas, when people come from all around the world to feel the festive vibes of Christmas markets.
Where to stay in Brussels?
There are many options for stays in Brussels depending on what you are looking for in an accommodation. I would not recommend staying in the historical centre as it can be a bit noisy in the evenings and at night, and I would also stay away from the stations as the areas can feel a bit unsafe. Then, I would suggest staying generally in the south-eastern part of the city (Sablon, Marolles, Etterbeek, Saint-Gilles and Ixelles).
How to get around Brussels?
You can easily get around Brussels by foot or using public transportation, as the metro, tram and bus networks are very efficient and connect many parts of the city together. There is also the possibility to get the city bikes (Villo) and there is an increasingly high number of scooters around. Unless you want to go on a day trip somewhere, I really don’t think renting a car is worth it, as parking in the streets can be very expensive.
Brussels is a very diverse city and while two days are plenty of time to properly explore the historical centre and the most famous parts of the city, there are many more things to do. I have focused here on the best things you can do in two days if you are visiting for the first time, but I will definitely share some more in-depth tips for Brussels!
