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My Brussels Weekend Itinerary: How I’d Spend 2 Days in the City

Planning Brussels in two days? Here’s exactly how I’d spend a weekend in the city—from Grand-Place, comic murals and Belgian food to Sablon, Matongé, the European Parliament and Brussels after dark. From someone who’s visited Brussels for one day, two days and a few days at a time.

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Brussels is a city I kept getting wrong.

I first visited in 2018, saw the famous square, found the small peeing statue everyone talks about and treated Brussels as the practical middle of a wider Belgium trip before heading off to Bruges and Ghent.

Candace Abroad in Brussels Main Square looking back

Since then, I’ve done Brussels for one day, two days and a few days at a time. And after coming back again—and again—I can say it plainly: two days is my favourite amount of time for a first trip to the city.

Don’t get me wrong, one day in Brussels can be amazing. But a weekend gives you time for the grand Brussels everyone expects, then a second day for the neighbourhoods, museums, cafés and European Quarter that make you realise the city is far more interesting than you’ll first give it credit for.

brussels street and people

With that said, here’s everything to get up to for a glorious weekend in the city.

Shall we?


Candace Abroad

About the Author

Hi, I’m Candace — a London-based travel writer and content creator who traded the East Coast of the US for the charm of the UK back in 2016. London’s been my home ever since.

On this blog, you’ll find hundreds of thoughtfully crafted London, UK, Europe and Worldwide travel guides alongside lots of insider London tips, honest hotel and restaurant reviews and advice for content creators.

P.S. – For more trip inspiration, travel videos, and behind-the-scenes adventures, be sure to follow along (and say hello, if you fancy) on Instagram, TikTok or YouTube.

🗞️📺 As featured on the BBC, USA Today & Recipe.TV.


Quick Overview: Brussels in Two Days

Brussels Grand Palace

No time for the full read? No worries, here’s your Brussels weekend at a glance!

DayMorningAfternoonEvening
Day 1Grand-Place, Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, the Cathedral, Manneken Pis and the Comic Strip WalkBelgian lunch, Mont des Arts and one museumLa Bourse, Belgian beer, live jazz or dinner
Day 2Sablon and its weekend antiques market, then MatongéThe European Parliament or House of European History, then the Royal Palace and Brussels ParkDinner, a neighbourhood bar or one last walk through Grand-Place
Best Day 2 alternativeThe Atomium and Mini-Europe for families, modern architecture or anyone who would rather skip the European Quarter


Book Your Brussels Trip

Where I recommend staying: For your trip, I’d stay at the stylish and central NH Collection Brussels, just a 10-minute walk from Brussel-Centraal Station. You can also compare more hotels in Brussels here.

Getting to Brussels: Compare train times and prices for London to Brussels, Paris to Brussels and Amsterdam to Brussels, plus direct connections from Bruges, Ghent and Antwerp.

The tour I’d book for a first trip: I’d choose this 2.5-hour historical walking tour with chocolate and waffle tastings. It covers several of Brussels’ main sights, all while giving you an introduction to the city’s history.

Want to see Bruges and Ghent on your Brussels trip? I’d choose this full-day Bruges and Ghent tour; it includes a guided walk and free time in both cities, plus the option of a canal cruise in Ghent. It’s a packed day, but a beautiful one when your Belgium itinerary is tight and you’d rather leave the transport, timings and city introductions to someone else.

For food lovers: I’d book this 3-hour Brussels food tour. It combines generous tastings of Belgian favourites—including fries, croquettes, waffles and chocolate—with a guided walk through the city centre, so you’ll learn about Brussels as you eat your way around it.

For chocolate lovers: I’d book this 1.5-hour Belgian chocolate-making workshop. You’ll learn about bean-to-bar chocolate, make your own truffles, mendiants and personalised chocolate bar, and take everything you create home with you (if it makes it that far).

Stay connected: Set up your Europe eSIM before your trip. It takes less than five minutes, and you’ll have mobile data ready to use when you arrive.

For extra peace of mind: Take a look at SafetyWing’s travel medical insurance before your trip (it’s the one I personally use and recommend).


Is Two Days in Brussels Enough?

brussels town hall and architecture

Yes—two days in Brussels is enough for a proper first trip.

On day one, you’ll keep things fairly simple with Grand-Place, Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, the cathedral, Manneken Pis, a section of the Comic Strip Walk, Mont des Arts, one museum and Brussels after dark.

On day two, I’d use the extra time for Sablon and its weekend antiques market, Matongé, the European Parliament area and the Royal Quarter, to make the city feel less like a pile of monuments and more like the multilingual capital it is.

With that said, two days still won’t fit every museum, the full comic route, an Art Nouveau trail, the Atomium, several long meals and a day trip to Bruges or Ghent. In that case, consider 3 or 4 days!

Only have one day? Use my complete one-day Brussels itinerary. Staying longer? Add a third day from my guide to the best day trips from Brussels.


My Brussels Weekend Itinerary

Candace Abroad in TinTin Brussels Cartoon walk Mural Art Brussels

Day 1 in Brussels: Grand-Place, Comic Murals and the Historic Centre

Candace abroad cartoon walk brussels

Morning: Start at Grand-Place

Grand Place Brussels

For your first morning, start at Grand-Place before the square gets too busy.

This is Brussels at its grandest, and it’s easy to see why.

The square first began as a market in the 12th century and slowly but surely grew into the commercial and political centre of Brussels, with its15th-century Gothic Town Hall still dominating today.

Most of what you’ll see today was rebuilt after Louis XIV’s troops bombarded the city in 1695, leaving the Town Hall walls and tower standing while much of Grand-Place burned around them.

It’s been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998, and is truly beautiful to walk around.

Brussels town hall

Here you’ll also find the Brussels City Museum, where you can see the original Manneken Pis alongside displays on the city’s architecture, crafts and history.

If you’re visiting in August, be sure to check if you’ll be here for the Brussels Flower Carpet.


Morning: Walk Through Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert

Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert Brussels

From Grand-Place, walk a few lovely minutes to Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert.

Inaugurated in 1847, it’s one of Europe’s oldest covered shopping arcades and is very much Brussels showing off. Pale stone façades rise beneath a curved glass roof, with apartments above and shops, cafés, theatres and a cinema below.

After you’ve gotten your eye candy, pop inside Neuhaus for Belgian pralines, Tropismes for one of the most beautiful bookshop interiors in Brussels, and Maison Dandoy for a cheeky biscuit or waffle.

P.S. – For coffee or a light brunch, use my best cafés in Brussels guide to find the best ones near Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert.


Morning: Go Inside the Cathedral of Saints Michael and Gudula

St Michael & St Gudula Cathedral

Before heading towards Manneken Pis, make a short stop at the Cathedral of Saints Michael and Gudula, sitting just above the central station area with two stern towers and a much brighter interior than its façade suggests.

Construction began in 1226 on the site of an earlier Romanesque church and continued for centuries, which is why you’ll see several periods of Gothic architecture here.

Inside, look for the huge 16th-century stained-glass windows, the carved Baroque pulpit and the long stone nave, which has long been used for royal weddings, funerals and national ceremonies.

The main cathedral is free to enter, so it’s well worth the pop-in, but you don’t need to spend as long as a proper museum stop. Just be respectful if a service is taking place.


Morning: See Manneken Pis, Then Follow the Comic Strip Walk

Next, walk to the ever-iconic Manneken Pis.

The bronze statue was created in 1619 by Jérôme Duquesnoy the Elder, replacing an earlier figure connected to the city’s old drinking-water system. Over time, he became a symbol of Brussels folklore and self-mockery, complete with a wardrobe of hundreds of costumes for special dates and visiting groups.

The original is now protected inside the Brussels City Museum, so yes, the little figure you join the crowd photographing outside is a copy.

From here you’ll also be well-placed to do the Brussels Comic Strip Walk.

The first mural appeared in 1991, and the trail has since grown to more than 80 walls across Brussels. Along the route, you’ll see Belgian comic characters stretched across apartment blocks, tucked above cafés and hidden down streets you probably would not have chosen without them.

It was easily one of my favourite parts of exploring Brussels, so be sure to read my full Comic Strip Walk route and map to plan your walk!

If comic history is one of your main reasons for visiting, I’d also suggest using part of the afternoon to see the Comic Art Museum.


Afternoon: Have a Belgian Lunch

Le Bistro on the left and Belgian fries from Patatak on the right!

By now, it’s time for lunch—Belgian style, of course.

For something quick, grab fries from Patatak and keep room for chocolate or a waffle later. For a sit-down meal, use my where to eat in Brussels guide and choose somewhere around the historic centre so lunch doesn’t send you across the city.

If food is the main reason you’re keen on Brussels, this 3-hour Brussels food tour combines fries, croquettes, waffles and chocolate with a guided walk through the city centre and is fabulous!

For chocolate lovers: this 1.5-hour Belgian chocolate-making workshop is another good swap. You’ll make your very own truffles, mendiants and a personalised chocolate bar to take home, or let’s face it—down the street.


Afternoon: See Mont des Arts and Choose One Museum

Oldmasters Museum Brussels

After lunch, climb to Mont des Arts for stunning views over Brussels’ museums and royal quarter.

And then, choose your museum of choice…

For Flemish Art: Old Masters Museum

I’d choose the Old Masters Museum for a first weekend if you want Bruegel, Rubens, Van Dyck, Bosch and more pieces that’ll give you a glorious introduction to 15th- to 18th-century Flemish and Southern Netherlandish art.

For Architecture and Music: Musical Instruments Museum

Choose the Musical Instruments Museum, housed in the former Old England department store, one of Brussels’ most recognisable Art Nouveau buildings, with galleries of instruments from across centuries and cultures. Incredibly interesting!

For Brussels History: Brussels City Museum

Choose the Brussels City Museum if you want to learn more about the city’s history itself, along with seeing the original Manneken Pis—right on Grand-Place.

For Surrealism: Magritte Museum

If René Magritte is the reason Belgian art interests you, choose the Magritte Museum instead. It’s in the same museum quarter, filled with paintings, drawings, photographs and the bowler hats, clouds and rooms that make his work instantly recognisable.


Early Evening to Evening: Visit the Former Stock Exchange, Then Have a Night Out in Brussels

The Music Village Brussels

The Music Village

Back in the city centre, you’ll find new life in the Brussels Stock Exchange at the very cool La Bourse.

The building here housed the Stock Exchange until 1996, but it was never only about finance. Its steps became a meeting point for protests, football celebrations, concerts and public commemorations. In other words, just about everything!

Today, you can walk through the restored public spaces and visit Belgian Beer World to whizz through Belgium’s age-old brewing traditions, ingredients and Belgian beer culture before ending with a tasting and rooftop views.

Beneath the building you’ll also find Bruxella 1238—the archaeological remains of a medieval Franciscan convent…,a very Brussels stop.

Afterwards, choose the kind of evening you fancy:

If you prefer smaller tastings and calmer bar-led experiences, compare the options in my Brussels beer tours guide.

And before heading back, see Grand-Place after dark. The Town Hall and guildhouses look completely different lit up, and it’s much nicer once many of the day-trip groups have left.

Brussels night at grand place

Day 2 in Brussels: Sablon, Matongé and the European Quarter

Église Notre-Dame des Victoires au Sablon Brussels

Day two is where Brussels gets much better.

You’ve already seen the famous square and central sights, so today we’ll start with Gothic Brussels, antiques and the city’s market scene in Sablon, move into Matongé for the shops, galleries and African food that changed my view of the city, then finish with European politics, royal history and a lovely park pop-in.

Morning: Start in Sablon

Square du Petit Sablon Brussels

Start your second morning in Sablon, which I think is Brussels’ prettiest neighbourhood.

Take an initial gawk at the 15th-century Gothic Église Notre-Dame du Sablon, which is worth going in for the stained glass alone.

Then cross the road to Square du Petit Sablon, a neo-Renaissance garden opened in 1890.

After that, continue to Grand Sablon for antique dealers, galleries, chocolate shops and the loved-and-local Grand Sablon weekend antiques market. Here you’ll find silverware, ceramics, old books, jewellery and plenty of objects to squeeze into your hand luggage…

The market runs on Saturdays and Sundays, so it fits perfectly into this second morning if your weekend lines up. Saturday gives you the longest browsing window, while Sunday still leaves enough time to continue through the rest of the itinerary.

For coffee near the museum and royal quarter, I’d save BOUCHE Specialty Coffee. And if you want a slower brunch in the city, kick your day off with my Brussels café guide.

For more of Brussels’ market scene: continue downhill into the Marolles for the Place du Jeu de Balle flea market. It runs every morning, with old photographs, furniture, vinyl, clothes, crockery and all sorts of things you didn’t know you needed. It fits best before Matongé, but I’d start early and shorten either the market or your time in Matongé if you find yourself short on time.


Late Morning: Explore Matongé and Stop for Lunch

Candace Abroad in Matongé Neighbourhood Brussels

From Sablon, continue towards Matongé.

Named after a district in the DRC’s capital, Kinshasa, Matongé is Brussels’ best-known African neighbourhood. The area is small—centred around Chaussée de Wavre and the Ixelles and Porte de Namur galleries—but packed with hair and beauty salons, food shops, money-transfer businesses, cafés, galleries and restaurants.

I’d spend time popping into shops like Librebook before tucking into a delicious African lunch at the iconic L’Horloge du Sud (they close briefly in summer, but otherwise are open year-round).

P.S. – Use my Matongé Brussels guide for my full rundown of the neighbourhood.


Afternoon: Choose One European Quarter Experience

Not only is Brussels the capital of Belgium, but much of the European Commission, the Council of the European Union and the European Parliament’s work is done right in the city, and the European Quarter is where you can see it all.

If you have two days in Brussels, I’d definitely recommend checking out at least one European Parliament bit for the history.

To See How the EU Works: Parlamentarium

The Parlamentarium is the European Parliament’s multimedia visitors centre and the best one to visit if you’d like to understand how the EU actually works.

You can follow European integration through personal stories, elections, legislation and interactive displays in all 24 official EU languages.

For the Actual Parliament Chamber: The Hemicycle

Choose a visit to the European Parliament Hemicycle if you’d like to see what happens in the EU up close, where you’ll be led through the real rooms where Members of the European Parliament meet. Check the official schedule before you go!

For Europe Beyond the Institutions: House of European History

The House of European History sits inside Parc Léopold with a permanent exhibition moving through Europe’s history of revolution, industrialisation, war, division, migration, memory and European integration.

All three are close together, so take your pick! And be sure to look out for the two original sections of the Berlin Wall outside the Parliament complex before heading back towards the Royal Quarter.


Late Afternoon: Finish at the Royal Palace and Brussels Park

BRUSSELS park

I’d finish your second afternoon around the Royal Palace of Brussels and Brussels Park.

The palace is the King’s administrative residence and main workplace, and well worth the peek. The inside of the palace is only open in summer, so if the timing’s right, be sure to visit to see the state rooms, Throne Room and quite striking Mirror Room.

But even when the palace is closed, the park opposite is worth the stop. It’s filled with broad paths, statues, a bandstand and plenty of room for a long sit-down after two days of walking.

Parc de Bruxelles reading book

You can also stop by Woodpecker Royal Park kiosk for coffee or drinks when the weather warms up.

And for dinner, return to Sablon for a Belgian brasserie meal at Au Vieux Saint Martin, head back into Ixelles, or choose somewhere from my Brussels restaurant guide.


Alternative Day 2: The Atomium and Mini-Europe

Atomium

It’s slightly away from the historic city centre, but you can also add the Atomium to your Brussels itinerary if it’s been on your list.

It was never intended to survive the World’s Fair, yet it became one of Belgium’s most recognisable landmarks. Inside, you’ll move through futuristic tubes, escalators and exhibition spaces, learn about Expo 58 and take the lift to the upper sphere for views across Brussels.

It’s also worth understanding the real and deeply problematic past of the World’s Fair before you go.

Your Atomium entry ticket also includes the nearby Design Museum Brussels, just a short walk away, so I’d plan to visit both!

And if you’re a family, you can combine it with Mini-Europe, with hundreds of European landmarks recreated in miniature.


Visiting Brussels on Sunday, at Christmas or in Winter

If One of Your Brussels Days Is a Sunday

Sunday is excellent for Grand-Place, the Comic Strip Walk, Sablon, parks and neighbourhood wandering, but many independent restaurants, cafés and shops might be closed.

On the positive side, the Brussels City Museum offers free entry on the first Sunday of the month.

Sunday is also a particularly good day for Brussels’ markets. The Grand Sablon antiques market runs until mid-afternoon, while the Place du Jeu de Balle flea market in the Marolles is open every morning, including Sundays.

If You’re Visiting Brussels in Winter

Two days in Brussels in winter can still work well, especially if you’re visiting at Christmas.

I’d keep Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, the cathedral, one museum, Belgian Beer World and the cafés in your plan. But maybe shorten your Comic Strip Walk if the weather is miserable, then give the sunniest part of the day to exploring Sablon or Matongé.

If You’re Visiting Brussels at Christmas

During the festive season in Brussels, you’re in for a treat. Come the festive season, the Winter Wonders programme brings markets, lights, food, rides and seasonal events into the historic centre. Leave time to enjoy it on top of your itinerary!

If the Flower Carpet Is On

If your weekend lands on the Brussels Flower Carpet, Grand-Place becomes the event rather than simply your first stop.

During these magical four days, staged only every two years, you’ll find hundreds of thousands of flowers arranged across the square. If you want the full experience, you can book the best view from the Town Hall balcony.

Just keep in mind the square will be much busier than on an ordinary weekend.

For more practical planning—read my Brussels travel tips.


Where to Stay for Two Days in Brussels

For a weekend, I’d stay central enough to walk to Grand-Place and get back to the hotel between sightseeing and dinner.

I personally stayed at and highly recommend NH Collection Brussels Centre, a grand historic hotel on Boulevard Adolphe Max with stylish rooms, rooftop breakfast and nearly all of central Brussels within walking distance.

It’s roughly a 10–12-minute walk from Brussels-Central Station and perfect for a weekend trip.

Read my full NH Collection Brussels Centre review, or compare more options in my guide to the best hotels near Brussels Central Station.

You can also compare hotels across Brussels here.


How to Get to Brussels for a Weekend

Candace Abroad on train brussels

Brussels is especially easy for a two-day trip given all the international trains that bring you into the city.

From London, you can take a direct Eurostar from St Pancras International to Brussels-Midi/Zuid Station (read my complete Eurostar to Brussels guide for more tips).

Paris and Amsterdam also have direct international trains, which make it very easy to combine Brussels with a wider European trip—and even more reason to give the city two full days.

International trains arrive at Brussels-Midi/Zuid Station. From there, Brussels-Central Station is one short local train ride away and is the most useful stop for Grand-Place and the historic centre.


Getting Around Brussels in Two Days

getting around transportation metro brussels

Brussels is very walkable, but mainly in the historic city centre. For places like Grand-Place, Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, the cathedral, Manneken Pis and Mont des Arts, you’ll actually spend more time waiting for transport than it would take just to use your feet!

But bear in mind Brussels is hillier than Google Maps suggests. Mont des Arts and the Royal Quarter involve actual climbs, while Matongé, the European Quarter and especially the Atomium stretch the route beyond the tight historic-centre loop.

For the metro, tram or bus, use the STIB/MIVB contactless system. You can tap in with your bank card, phone or smartwatch, which is much easier than buying a separate travel card for a weekend.

Or just do it how I did: walk until walking stops being pleasant! There’s no prize for doing the whole weekend on foot, especially when it comes to those hills…

& you’ll definitely want to use public transport if you’re visiting the Atomium.


Should You Take a Day Trip During Your Two Days in Brussels?

building in Brussels

For a first Brussels trip, I’d give the city both days.

I understand the temptation. Bruges, Ghent and Antwerp are all easy to reach, and Belgian trains make the decision look almost too simple.

But using one of only two days for a day trip puts Brussels straight back into the role of just a stopover—i.e. thinking the city begins and ends at Grand-Place.

With that said…I’ll let you off the hook. If you’ve already visited Brussels, then one city day and one day trip can work. Use my Brussels to Bruges day-trip guide, Brussels to Ghent train guide or full guide to the best day trips from Brussels.

And in spring, consider Groot-Bijgaarden Castle for a more hidden Belgium spring escape.

If you’re short on time, you can also check out this full-day Bruges and Ghent tour from Brussels, but I’d add it as a third day rather than cutting your Brussels weekend itinerary in half.


What to Book Before Two Days in Brussels

Candace Abroad in Grand Place Brussels

You don’t need to pre-book every hour of a Brussels weekend, but it helps to do a few bits. Including:

For more Brussels travel tips before you book, be sure to use my ultimate Brussels tips guide.


Final Thoughts on Brussels in Two Days

colourful landscape brussels cartoon walk

The first time I visited Brussels, I didn’t appreciate the city. Grand-Place. Manneken Pis, and I was off!

Coming back for longer changed everything.

I followed comic-book characters through ordinary streets, spent time in Matongé, sat in cafés, looked properly at the history behind the grand buildings and stopped expecting Brussels to be like Bruges or Ghent.

And it’s exactly why a weekend in Brussels works so well.

The first day gives you the Brussels everyone recognises: gilded guildhouses, chocolate shops, museums and the little bronze boy with an international reputation.

The second gives you Congolese food, European politics, antique stalls, royal history and the parts of the city people miss when they only use it to change trains.

And for me, that was the difference between seeing Brussels and actually liking it.

Have the best trip.

Happy travels,

Candace x


FAQ: Brussels in Two Days

Candace Abroad in Brussels Main Square

Is two days in Brussels enough?

Yes. Two days is enough to see Grand-Place, Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, the cathedral, Manneken Pis, part of the Comic Strip Walk, Mont des Arts, one museum, Sablon, Matongé, the European Quarter and the Royal Palace area without sprinting through every stop.

What should I do in Brussels for two days?

I’d use day one for the historic centre, comic murals, Belgian food, Mont des Arts, one museum and Brussels at night. Use day two for Sablon and its market, Matongé, the European Parliament or House of European History, then the Royal Palace and Brussels Park.

How many days in Brussels is enough?

Two days is my pick for a first city break. One day covers the main centre and one or two extras, while three days gives you time for the Atomium, more museums or a day trip. Read my honest guide to whether Brussels is worth visiting for who I think will enjoy the city most.

What should I do with three days in Brussels?

Use the first two days for this itinerary, then make day three the Atomium and Mini-Europe, a slower museum day or a rail trip to Bruges, Ghent or Antwerp. I wouldn’t take time away from your first two Brussels days unless you’ve already visited the city.

Can you see Brussels in one day?

Yes, but I’d keep your route focused. My one-day Brussels itinerary covers the historic centre, comic murals, Mont des Arts, one neighbourhood or museum and an evening in the city to get a good taste of it.

Is Brussels a good weekend city break?

Yes. Brussels works particularly well for a weekend because the historic centre is compact, direct trains arrive from London, Paris and Amsterdam, and two days gives you time for both the famous attractions and a neighbourhood beyond them. It’s also a good city for food, museums, comic-book culture and evenings out.

Why is Brussels important?

Brussels is Belgium’s capital and one of the main political centres of the European Union. It’s home to major EU institutions, the Belgian monarchy and federal government. Its long history includes medieval trade, migration, Art Nouveau, comic art, Belgian food culture and colonial ties with a deeply problematic past.

Is a Brussels weekend good with kids?

Yes, but I’d change the itinerary a little. Do the Comic Strip Walk in the morning, then choose one hands-on experience, like the Belgian chocolate-making workshop or the Comic Art Museum. For day two, the Atomium and Mini-Europe pairing is an easy family route. And you can easily turn the House of European History into a family activity.

Is Brussels safe at night?

Central Brussels is busy at night, especially around Grand-Place, Saint-Géry and the main bar areas. Use normal city precautions, keep an eye on your belongings and check your route back to the hotel before staying out late. I’ve covered more practical details in my Brussels tips.

What should you do in Brussels on Sunday?

Grand-Place, the Comic Strip Walk, Sablon, Matongé, Brussels Park and a few Brussels weekend markets all work on Sunday, but I’d check museum, restaurant and independent shop hours before your trip. For markets specifically, use the Grand Sablon antiques market or the daily Place du Jeu de Balle flea market.

What should I do during two days in Brussels in winter?

I’d keep Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, the cathedral, one museum, Belgian Beer World and the cafés in your route. Shorten the Comic Strip Walk if the weather is poor, and during Christmas save the historic centre for the Winter Wonders programme after dark.

Should I visit the Atomium during two days in Brussels?

I’d visit the Atomium if you love modern architecture, panoramic views, Expo 58 history or are travelling with children. If so, make it a deliberate half-day and pair it with the Design Museum or Mini-Europe rather than squeezing it into a historic city centre day.

Can I visit Bruges during two days in Brussels?

You can, but I wouldn’t use one of only two days for Bruges on a first Brussels trip. Instead, give Brussels the weekend, then add Bruges as a third day using my Brussels to Bruges day-trip guide.

Where should I stay for a Brussels weekend?

I’d stay near the historic centre or Brussels-Central Station for the easiest first weekend. I stayed at NH Collection Brussels Centre and highly recommend it for its stylish rooms, rooftop breakfast and easy return between sightseeing and dinner.


Plan the rest of your Brussels trip

Still planning? Here’s more of my Brussels guides to help you decide where to stay, what to book and how to make the most of your trip.

Candace abroad brussels cluster

Before you book

Brussels itineraries and day trips

Where to stay and what to book

What to do and where to eat

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