If you’re traveling to Belgium, you can’t miss its capital, Brussels. This city is filled with amazing food, quaint streets, and stunning architecture.
There’s an endless amount of things to do here, but 3 days in Brussels is enough to get an idea of what it’s all about.
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Where to stay
Like most cities, the city center of Brussels is the place to be. You’ll find a wealth of hotels to fit any price point, and you’ll be conveniently located near popular attractions like the Grand Place.
Budget travelers will love convenient hostels like 2GO4 and Urban City Centre, while those who can afford to splurge will appreciate hotels like The Dominican and the Hilton Brussels Grand Palace.
If you’re looking for a more upscale, luxurious area, check out Sablon and Avenue Louise. For a unique international vibe, Ixelles is definitely the place. It’s located in the southern part of the city, but there are plenty of transportation options that can bring you wherever you need to go.
How to get around
The best way to get around central Brussels is on foot. It’s easily walkable, and you can find some amazing hidden gems by just wandering around the city. If you’re trying to explore the larger city, you can use the extensive network of buses, trains, trams, and the metro.
The buses, trams, and metro are all run by a company called STIB-MIVB, while the trains are managed by SNCB-NMBS. The easiest thing to do is get a local BRUPASS, a combined ticket that gives you access to a wide variety of transportation options.
Now that you have all the basics down, let’s take a look at the perfect Brussels 3-day itinerary.
Day 1
Morning: Waffles for breakfast
Anyone from Brussels will probably cringe at this first activity, but I think it’s the best way to start your day. Even though waffles are more popular for dessert than breakfast, they make a delicious sweet treat at any time of day. If you only have 72 hours in Brussels, this is the best way to start your adventure.
Maison Dandoy has some of the best waffles in the city, but there are dozens of other delicious waffle spots all around the city. Brussels is so famous for its waffles that it even has its own type of waffle named after it. The Brussels waffle is typically light and crispy with large pockets for sugar, fruit, or chocolate spread.
Afternoon: See the city center
After a hearty breakfast, you can tour the sights yourself or get a deeper understanding of the history with a guided walking tour. Enjoy beautiful attractions like the Grand Place, City Hall, the Royal Palace, and Manneken Pis. Don’t miss the gardens at Mont des Arts for some of the most insane landscaping you’ll ever see.
Even after the tour is over, spend some time exploring the main square and tiny side streets. You’ll find cute little shops for all your Belgian souvenir needs.
You’ll also find a wide variety of cafes, which are the perfect place to grab a quick bite to eat. If you just need a quick snack, the local french fries, or frites, are always delightfully crispy.
Evening: Indulge in a local brew
As your evening winds down, it’s time to partake in the local drink of choice: beer. Belgium is famous for its beer, and there are plenty of local spots to choose from.
One of the most famous is Delirium Cafe, located right in the city center. Just look for their signature pink elephant logo.
Delirium has over 2000 different beers to choose from and holds the world record for most beers offered. Even the pickiest of beer drinkers should have no problem finding something to drink here.
Whether you prefer a strong dark ale or a refreshing witbier, the options are pretty much endless. The staff is super helpful, so don’t be afraid to ask for suggestions if you can’t choose a favorite.
Day 2
Morning: Find a morning market
To kick off day 2 of your Brussels 3-day itinerary, check out one of the city’s various morning markets. Depending on the day and time of year you visit, you should be able to find one that matches your interests. Whether you’re a fan of unique local crafts, fresh ingredients, or timeless treasures, Brussels has what you’re looking for.
If all else fails, you can always count on the Jeu De Balle Flea Market. This market is open every day of the year, so it’s always a great place to spend a morning.
You’ll spend hours sifting through the antique furniture, old photographs, and so much more. Even if you don’t end up buying anything, just the atmosphere itself is worth the visit.
Afternoon: Visit a museum
Brussels is filled with amazing history, especially art history. There are a variety of different museums showcasing thousands of stunning works of art.
One option is to get tickets to the Magritte Museum, which is dedicated to the works of surrealist artist René Magritte. Spend hours or even a full day here enjoying over 200 different works from this iconic artist.
Maybe art isn’t your thing. No problem. There are tons of other cool museums in Brussels. Car lovers should definitely grab tickets to Autoworld, while music aficionados would appreciate the Musical Instruments Museum.
Even comic book lovers will feel right at home at the Comics Art Museum. You’d be surprised at the unique things you’ll find right here in Brussels.
Evening: Explore the nightlife in Brussels
After a relaxing day touring markets and museums, it’s time to let loose a bit.
For those looking to dance the night away to techno music, Fuse is a place you can’t miss. It’s one of the city’s most well-known clubs that’s popular with locals and tourists alike. You’ll spend hours here enjoying the heavy bass and unique crowd.
Another option for a fun night out is Cafe Roskam. Instead of a rowdy club atmosphere, this bar offers a more relaxed environment with expertly mixed cocktails and live music. There are a lot of different ways to have a fun night out, and you can find whatever fits your vibe in Brussels.
Day 3
Morning: Take a walk in Heysel Park
Your last day in Brussels is going to be all about the food, but you should start your day with one of the city’s most famous attractions: the Atomium. This giant structure is located in the beautiful Heysel Park in the northern part of Brussels.
Originally created for the World’s Fair in 1958, the Atomium is a 103-meter-tall structure built to resemble an iron crystal. Take a tour of the Atomium and enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding city, which is bound to be a highlight of your 72 hours in Brussels.
Once you’re back at ground level, take a stroll around the park as a lovely morning activity.
Afternoon: Satisfy your sweet tooth
Belgium is famous for its chocolate brands, as there’s no shortage of amazing chocolatiers in Brussels. Some of the most famous include Pierre Marcolini, Atelier Saint Catherine, and Elisabeth. Take your pick and sample a few of their creations to find your favorite.
One of the best ways to experience Belgian chocolate is to learn about its history at Choco-Story, a museum dedicated entirely to chocolate. You can spend time browsing the exhibits and even take part in a workshop where you can make your own chocolate.
Evening: Enjoy moules frites
Your last evening in Brussels should be spent enjoying one of its most delicious dishes: moules frites. This hearty dish of steamed mussels and crispy fries is a Belgian staple. There are different flavors and variations on this dish, so you’re sure to find one that fits your palate.
Since this is a popular dish, it can be found at many restaurants across the city. But there are some places that are known for doing this dish particularly well. If you want the best of the best, check out places like Chez Leon, Le Zinneke, or Le Chou de Bruxelles.
Bonus itinerary
If you speed through all these activities in fewer than 3 days or decide that some things just aren’t for you, then here’s a bonus idea of how to spend a day.
Brussels is amazing, but it can also be nice to explore some of the surrounding areas. One of the most beautiful and picturesque is the town of Bruges.
Walking through Bruges is like walking into a storybook. The old buildings, swan-filled lakes, and quaint canals are nothing short of breathtaking. It’s a quick day trip from Brussels that is definitely worth it. To get the most out of your day, consider a guided tour with round-trip transportation from Brussels.
3 days may not seem like much, but it’s more than enough to get a taste of the wonderful city of Brussels. This itinerary gives you a good start, but there’s always more to discover.
Are there any places we missed? Let us know in the comments!
