With train links to countries including France, Germany, the UK, Switerland, Italy and Austria, Brussels is a central hub for European travel. I almost always use Brussels as a stop-off point when I travel to and from England, and so it’s one of my most-visited cities.
The Belgian capital gets a bit of a bad rap, but even with just 24 hours to spare, I think there’s plenty to do to make the most of your trip. Here are my top recommendations for spending one day in Brussels.
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Get your bearings with Sandeman’s walking tour
If you’ve visited my blog before, you’ll no doubt have seen me recommend starting your time in most cities with one of the many waking tours on offer.
I can personally vouch for Sandeman’s as I’ve done this tour myself, and also recommended it to a friend who really enjoyed it. I think it’s a great way to learn a lot about a city in a short time, while also getting quickly acquainted with the city’s layout and mentally bookmarking places to visit later.
The Sandeman’s walking tour in Brussels offers a comprehensive overview of the city’s history, culture, and architecture, led by knowledgeable and passionate guides. It starts at the Grand Place, the central square of Brussels, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and takes you through various landmarks including the Manneken Pis statue (in my opinion, not worth seeking out on its own, but more on that here) and the oldest church in Brussels.
One of the highlights of the 2.5 hour tour is the visit to the European Parliament district, where you’ll learn about the European Union’s history and its impact on Brussels. The tour also includes a stop at the famous comic strip murals, showcasing Belgium’s rich comic book culture.
Although the tour is technically free, it operates on a ‘pay-what-you-feel’ basis. This means that at the end of the tour, you can give the guide a tip based on your satisfaction with the tour. It’s a great way to support local guides while enjoying a budget-friendly activity. From my experience, they always do their best to make sure everyone has a good time.
Sandeman’s walking tour is available in English and Spanish. It usually starts at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM daily, but it’s always a good idea to check the schedule in advance. You can book the tour online through the Sandeman’s New Europe website.
Finally, it’s important to note that the tour does not include entrance fees to the attractions visited. However, the guides provide detailed information about each site, so you can decide if you want to explore them further on your own time.
Browse the shops at St Hubert’s Galerie
St. Hubert’s Galerie, located in the heart of Brussels, is a historic and elegant shopping arcade that dates back to the 19th century. Expect to be greeted by a stunning glass roof, ornate decorations, and a range of high-end boutiques and shops.
Within the Galerie, you’lll find a variety of luxury goods, from Belgian chocolates and confectioneries to high-quality leather goods and jewelry. The Galerie is also home to several renowned Belgian designers, offering a unique opportunity to explore local fashion.
While many of the shops are out of the average person’s price range, I always like to stop off at Mary Chocolatier for my fix of Belgian truffles. Afterwards, a coffee or beer at Mokafé Taverne always hits the spot. (side note – I was there once when people ordered breakfast and the portions look absolutely huge!)
If you’re after a unique gift, La Folie des Cadeaux is always worth a browse, though it’s Google listing has it down as permanently closed. I can’t find anything on their website, so if anyone goes to Brussels please let me know!
Beyond shopping, St. Hubert’s Galerie is a hub for cultural activities. It houses the Theatre des Galeries, a venue for various performances, and the Belgian Comic Strip Center, which showcases the country’s rich comic book history.
The Galerie just a short walk away from the Grand Place and other notable landmarks, but if you do the walking your you’ll know exactly where it is.
Go back in time with lunch and a beer at À La Mort Subite
À La Mort Subite is a historic and iconic café located in the heart of Brussels. Its is a nod to a popular dice game played by its patrons in the early 20th century. The game was so fast-paced that it was often referred to as ‘the sudden death’, hence the café’s unique name.
The café is known for its traditional Belgian ambiance, with its vintage décor, wooden paneling, and old-fashioned signage. The interior is adorned with vintage photos and memorabilia, creating a nostalgic atmosphere that transports visitors back in time.
À La Mort Subite is particularly renowned for its wide range of Belgian beers, including its own house brand, also named ‘La Mort Subite’ (both the cherry and the peach beers are must-trys!).
Besides its beer selection, the café also offers a variety of traditional Belgian dishes. From hearty stews to local cheese and charcuterie platters, the food at La Mort Subite complements the beer perfectly, providing a truly authentic Belgian gastronomic experience.
Don’t go expecting gourmet food, but rather basic fare cooked exceptionally well (seriously, their omelettes are by far the best I’ve ever had).
Despite its central location, À La Mort Subite is often described as a hidden gem, offering a respite from the bustling city. With its friendly staff and a relaxed atmosphere, it’s a great place to unwind and immerse oneself in the local culture.
If you fancy something a bit more modern, or don’t necessarily want Belgian food twice in one day, I can also highly recommend Wolf Sharing Food Market. There are so many delicious options it’s hard to know which stall to choose. But one thing’s for sure – come with an empty stomach!
Spend a couple of hours in one of Brussell’s museums
There are a few excellent museums in the city center, including the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium. This renowned institution combines several museums, such as the Old Masters Museum, the Museum of Modern Art, and the Magritte Museum. Art enthusiasts can easily spend hours here, marveling at the extensive collections ranging from medieval to contemporary art.
Another central gem is the Museum of Musical Instruments, housed in the stunning Art Nouveau Old England building. This museum boasts a collection of over 8,000 instruments from all over the world, offering visitors a fascinating auditory journey
through music history. Interactive displays and audio guides allow you to hear the sounds of many instruments, making it a delightful experience for both adults and children.
If you don’t mind heading slightly further afield, consider visiting the iconic Atomium, a unique architectural marvel constructed for the 1958 World Expo. This striking structure, located about 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) from the city center, consists of nine interconnected spheres representing an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times. Within these spheres, you’ll find exhibitions detailing the Atomium’s history, along with some offering panoramic views of Brussels.
For a leisurely afternoon, take a stroll through the Parc du Cinquantenaire. This expansive public park, adorned with museums and monuments, is located about 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) from the city center. The park is home to the impressive
Triumphal Arch. For those interested in military history or vintage automobiles, the Royal Military Museum and Autoworld are must-visit attractions within the park.
To reach both the Atomium and Parc du Cinquantenaire, you’ll need to take the metro from the city center. The journey to the Atomium typically takes around 20 minutes, while the trip to Parc du Cinquantenaire usually takes about 10 minutes, making it easy to fit one of these destinations into your itinerary.
Enjoy the vibes (and rum!) at Dona Flor Brasil
After a culture-filled afternoon, it’s time to unwind with a tasty drink. There are plenty of good bars in Brussels town centre (shout out to Bar Des Amis and The Green Man!) but on a warm spring or summer evening I love to sit and people-watch at Dona Flor Brasil.
This unique bar-on-wheels serves mojitos from a small truck and is a popular spot among locals and tourists alike. Dona Flor Brasil is renowned for its authentic mojitos, which are expertly crafted by skilled bartenders. The bar uses fresh ingredients,including mint leaves and lime, to create a refreshing and flavorful cocktail.
Despite its compact size, the Dona Flor Brasil truck is fully equipped with everything needed to serve high-quality mojitos. The bar also offers a variety of other cocktails like Caipirinhas, Passion Coladas and Cuba Libres, ensuring there’s something for to suit every taste.
This lively little bar is located right in front of the Church of Saint Catherine, with plenty of outdoor seating to sit and watch the world go by.
Dona Flor Brasil just so happens to be moments away from my favourite hotel in Brussels, the Atlas Hotel. I’ve stayed here every time I’ve come to the city, bar one occasion when they were fully booked. It’s centrally located, but with the benefit of being on a fairly quiet street without the hustle and bustle of other hotels by the Grand Place.
The rooms are comfortable and modern, with everything you need. The breakfast is excellent quality, and I’ve always found the staff there to be extremely helpful. In my opinion, it’s the perfect place to stay if you’ve got one day in Brussels. Book the Atlas Hotel here.
Try some Belgian classics at dinner
After a delicious cocktail, you might be hankering after some carbs, and Brussels is well-equipped to hit the spot. One of the most famous Belgian dishes is Moules-frites, which is a hearty meal of mussels cooked in a flavorful broth, typically served with a side of crispy fries. This dish is a staple in Belgian cuisine and is a must-try for seafood lovers.
Another Belgian speciality to try is Carbonade Flamande, a slow-cooked beef stew made with Belgian beer and often served with bread or fries. The beer gives the stew a unique, rich flavor that is both comforting and satisfying.
There are plenty of restaurants in Brussels to choose from, but here are some I can personally recommend:
● Roy D’Espagne – sure it’s touristy (you’ll find it right on the Grand Place) but the interior is fun, it’s always buzzing, and I find the food to be really tasty. A great option if you’re a bit fed up of walking and would like to stay central
● ‘T Kelderke – another touristy but slightly more refined option on the Grand Place. Features a vaulted 17th-century dining room and an eclectic menu (look out for the horse steak)
● La Vilette – an intimate, old school eatery serving all the Belgian classics. Online reviews are a bit up and down, but I’ve always enjoyed both great food and service. Super close to both the Atlas Hotel and Dona Flor mojito truck
Here are some other dinner options that I’m yet to try but are definitely on my list:
● Amadeus – I had a fantastic meal at the one in Ghent and the concept and menu is the same. All-you-can-eat ribs (though there are other options) served alongside a honking great baked potato with delicious curry butter. 6 years later and I’m still
thinking about the Irish coffee…
● Noordzee Mer du Nord – a casual fish bar serving up all kinds of goodies including oysters, shrimp croquettes, and deep fried calamari. When they say they’re all about fish, they mean it, they don’t offer any side dishes. There’s only outdoor seating here and it closes at 6:30, so one to save for am early dinner on a warm summer’s day
Top tip: my old neighbour is from Brussels, and he advised me to steer clear of any restaurants on the Rue Bouchers (close the iconic Delirium Cafe). Apparently, they’re very hit or miss, and it would be a shame to have only one day in Brussels and waste it on a bad meal.
Faqs for spending one day in Brussels
How to get around Brussels in one day?
Getting around Brussels in a day is quite feasible due to its compact size and efficient public transportation system. The city’s public transport network, run by STIB-MIVB, includes trams, buses, and a metro system. You can buy a day pass, which offers unlimited travel within a 24-hour period. This is a cost-effective option if you plan on making multiple trips throughout the day.
Brussels’ metro system is the quickest way to travel across the city. It consists of four lines that cover most of the city’s major attractions. Metro stations are clearly marked, and maps are available at each station to help you navigate the system.
Trains run frequently, so you won’t have to wait long, and though I’ve had limited experience on the metro I’ve found it to
be very prompt.
Alternatively, you can explore Brussels on foot (my preferred option). The city centre is compact and many of the main attractions, such as the Grand Place, Manneken Pis (though honestly, don’t expect much from this), and the Royal Palace, are within walking distance of each other.
Lastly, taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are also available in Brussels. These can be a convenient option if you’re traveling with a lot of luggage or if you’re in a hurry. However, they are more expensive than public transportation and can be slower due to traffic congestion.
What are some local foods to try in Brussels during my one day trip?
As you can probably tell, enjoying good food plays a big role in my travels. If it’s the same for you, here are some delicious options you should try in Brussels:
● Belgian fries (frites) – these crispy fries are a must-try. They’re often served with various sauces like mayonnaise or ketchup. During the walking tour, our guide said that one of the best places in the city is the rather unassuming Fritland. It’s been around since the 1970s, and given the queue you’ll normally see outside its definitely earned its reputation. Word of warning to my fellow pescatarians or veggies, traditional Belgian fries tend to be cooked in beef fat.
● Moules-frites (Mussels with fries) – a classic Belgian dish, mussels are cooked in white wine, garlic, and herbs, and served with a side of crispy fries.
● Boulet à la liégeoise -these meatballs are made with a blend of pork and beef, simmered in a rich sauce made from onions, beer, and spices.
● Belgian beer – Belgium is famous for its wide variety of beers. Whether you prefer a lambic or a strong Trappist ale, there’s something for everyone. If you’re not usually a beer drinker, start off with one of the fruit beers, they honestly barely taste like ber at all.
● Waffles – Belgian waffles come in two main types: Brussels waffles (light and crispy) and Liège waffles (dense and sweet). Both are delicious and can be topped with whipped cream, chocolate, or fresh fruit.
● Chocolates and pralines – Belgium is renowned for its high-quality chocolates. Visit a local chocolatier to sample pralines, truffles, and other sweet treats.
● Croquette au crevette (Belgian shrimp croquettes) – these deep-fried croquettes are filled with shrimp and served as an appetizer or snack.
● Speculoos – these spiced shortcrust cookies are often enjoyed with coffee or tea
If you’d like to get the inside scoop on some of these delicacies and the best places to try them, you might prefer to swap out the walking tour for this dedicated food tour.
What is the best time to visit Brussels for a day?
The best time to visit Brussels for a day trip is during the months of May, June, September, and October. During these months, you can expect warm weather, more affordable rates, and a quieter city to explore. These seasons are ideal for enjoying outdoor attractions, strolling through the historic streets, and savoring local cuisine.
Keep in mind that Brussels has a lot to offer year-round, so even if your visit falls outside these months, you’ll still find plenty of things to see and do. I’ve also visited around Christmas before and had an amazing time at the Christmas markets, though
the Grand Place does get almost unbearably crowded (I’m talking packed like sardines to even get into the square).
Where can I find the best waffles in Brussels in one day?
This is just a personal opinion, and I’m sure locals may have other suggestions, but I found that Maison Dandoy had the best offering in the city. When you spend time in the centre you’ll notice lots of different shops serving up stale old waffles from their window displays, but Maison Dandoy makes them fresh to order.
You get the option of Liege waffles, a bit more substantial and filled with sugar crystals, or the light and fluffy Brussels waffle. Both come with toppings of your choice – I opted for speculoos and whipped cream. Yum!
Maison Dandoy is a chain, but it’s been around for a long time. The oldest of their thirteen shops is just off the Grand Place. Another place that’s well worth the queue.
What are the best neighborhoods to explore in Brussels in one day?
If you’d rather steer clear of the city centre, here are some other great options to explore:
- Ixelles – known for its artistic vibe and excellent restaurants, Ixelles is perfect for those interested in art, culture, and culinary delights.
- Sablon – if you’re looking for luxury living, Sablon is the neighborhood to explore. It’s home to high-end boutiques, antique shops, and elegant cafes.
- Les Marolles – for an authentic local experience, head to Les Marolles. Explore its charming streets, visit the daily flea market at Place du Jeu de Balle, and soak in the neighborhood’s character.
- Saint-Gilles – budget travelers will appreciate Saint-Gilles. It offers a mix of cultures, vibrant street art, and affordable dining options.
