Brussels is a bit of an overlooked destination when it comes to European capitals. And within Belgium, people tend to flock to Bruges instead. Brussels offers beautifully preserved grandeur in its town square, delicious and warming food, and some excellent museums and sights. Here is my 24 hour itinerary for your one day in Brussels.
One Day in Brussels
12 Midday – A Streetfood Lunch
It is a rite of passage to eat fries with mayo in Belgium. Grab yourself a cone of frites, squeeze on the mayonnaise and enjoy while walking around the centre of Brussels.
1pm – Grand Place
One of the most magnificent main squares in Europe, Grand Place is an impressive area to visit. The buildings themselves are enough to keep you occupied for many hours. The Town Hall is the only medieval building left on the square, and has a marvellous tower. The ‘Bread House’ was originally a wooden house where bread was sold, then the king’s house, then the base for a duke! This now rebuilt gothic revival edifice is now the Brussels City Museum.
2pm – Brussels City Museum
If you want to learn more about Grand Place, pop into the Brussels City Museum. If you only have 24 hours in Brussels, a visit to the City Museum will give you a great concise run-down of all the historical sites of Bruxelles. Exploring the exquisite neo-gothic Maison du Roi is also a treat.
4pm – Manneken-Pis
Prepare yourself for the smallest of all monuments! Having learnt all about Manneken-Pis and his costumes at the Brussels City Museum, visit the little man himself. This peeing statue is famous the world over. It’s an amusing stop on your day in Brussels. Learn about the other peeing statues in my 3-day guide to Brussels!
5pm – Belgian Brewers Museum
When in Rome, right? When in Brussels, doing a Belgian beer tasting is a must. The Belgian Brewers Museum on Grand Place isn’t a full museum as such, but rather a tasting room with small exhibition. The convenience of being on Grand Place is perfect for those cramming a lot into one day in Brussels.
7pm – A Fondue Dinner
Don’t come to Brussels without your stretchy trousers. There is entirely too much delicious, heavy and comforting food to eat. Cheese fondue, whilst Swiss originally, is very popular here in Belgium. These bordering countries often share cuisine history. Try some fondue or raclette at Les Fondus de la Raclette (Place de la Vieille Halle Aux Blés 28).
9pm – Cocktails in Bruxelles
I like to think that drinking in a place can show you the spirit of a city. From vibe of the bars you find, to chatting to the locals and tasting the local aperitifs, it is illuminating! If you fancy a really classy cocktail bar, head to Chemistry & Botanic’s (Place de la Vieille Halle aux Blés 49). Try their Lavand’Americano cocktail, with Campari, Del Professore Red Vermouth, Orange Bitter, and homemade Lavender Soda!
** Fall into bed at an undisclosed time **
9am – Breakfast at Chicago Café
Ok, so it may seem weird to have breakfast or brunch at Chicago Café (Rue de Flandre 45) while in Brussels. But this café really does offer something for everyone. From American pancakes to vegan yoghurt, and my personal favourite, Huevos Rancheros.
10am – St Michael and St Gudula Cathedral
The pinnacle of 16th century Brabant Gothic architecture, the St Michael and St Gudula Cathedral holds the royal weddings and funerals for Brussels. On the other side of the Parc de Bruxelles from the Royal Palace, visit the cathedral while in the area.
10:30am – Royal Palace & Parc de Bruxelles
Your final stop on this whirlwind tour of Brussels, is the Royal Palace and Parc de Bruxelles. The Royal Palace opens its doors for tours from late July to September every year. The gentile Parc de Bruxelles was once the hunting ground for palace gentry. These days it provides a calming green space in which to relax.
12 Midday – Finish with a Belgian Waffle
Much like trying the Belgian Frites, eating a Belgian Waffle before you finish your day in Brussels is kind of a given. Vendors have a myriad of topping options and even healthy fruit if you’ve overdone it on the fondue and frites in the preceding day. Personally, I like nutella and ice cream – decadent and fantastic!
Hotels in Central Brussels
If you are spending one night in Brussels, here are my top picks for central hotels that will suit any budget. For the most incredible roof terrace and prime location, stay at the Warwick Brussels (Rue Duquesnoy 5). The budget Easy Hotel in the Marais Quarter is your clean but central option. For a high end option, the Marriott Grand Place is always a reliable hotel choice.
One Day in Brussels : 24 Hour Guide
If you’re lucky enough to spend a whole weekend in Brussels then you can add more museums and a visit to Atomium to your itinerary. But if 24 hours in Brussels is all you have, then this one day guide should maximise your stay. Hit the ground running and enjoy your time in Brussels!
Love a short break? Check out my other 24 hour guides and city breaks!
All photos & content © Hannah Henderson and may not be used without permission (sharing this blog post is fine, though!).
I’ve only ever been to Brussels on a stop over, I’d love to go back and see more of the city!
I have wanted to visit Brussels for so long now! This guide is super helpful with what to do and where to stay. I’m saving this for later when I plan a trip to Brussels!
Great guide. I was in Brussels a couple years ago and had a lovely time. I actually stayed at the Easy Hotel you mentioned and it was basic but really clean and nice. The only thing I would add to your 24 hour guide is chocolate. You can’t go to Brussels and not go to one of the Belgian chocolate shops. Stock up for the journey home at least
Haha see, I think Swiss chocolate is better! Then again, I don’t have much of a sweet tooth 🙂
When I was in Belgium, I did a quick trip to Brussels. It was raining, so I didn’t really explore too much of the city centre. I just remember that I really wanted to go to Mini Europe, so I made sure I did that. You are right that people often choose Bruges over Brussels and I can see why. However there’s a lot in Brussels as well.