The Ultimate 3 Day Guide to Brussels, Belgium
Brussels, the capital of Belgium, is a charming and vibrant city that has something to offer everyone. Whether you love history, culture, food, or shopping, Brussels has it all. Brussels is also home to the European Union headquarters, making it a hub for political activity and international relations. In this blog post, I will guide you through the ultimate three day itinerary while visiting Brussels, Belgium.
Day 1: Exploring the Historic City Center
Brussels’ historic city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is packed with magnificent buildings, quaint streets, and picturesque squares. Start your day with a visit to the Grand Place, which is considered one of the most beautiful squares in the world.
The Grand Place is surrounded by stunning guildhalls, as well as the iconic Town Hall. Take some time to admire the intricate architecture and the impressive sculptures that adorn the buildings.
Next, head to the nearby Manneken Pis, a small bronze statue of a boy peeing. The statue is a beloved symbol of Brussels and has been a popular tourist attraction for centuries. Be sure to take a photo with this little guy, who has a wardrobe of over 1000 costumes!
Afterwards, stroll through the narrow streets of the Ilôt Sacré neighborhood and admire the impressive Gothic architecture of the St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral. End your day with a visit to the Royal Palace of Brussels, the official residence of the Belgian royal family.
Day 2: Art & Culture
Start your second day by visiting the world-famous Atomium, a massive metal structure that was built for the 1958 World Expo. Take the elevator to the top of the Atomium for panoramic views of Brussels.
Next, head to the Magritte Museum, which houses the largest collection of works by the famous Belgian surrealist painter René Magritte. The museum is located in the heart of Brussels and features over 200 paintings, drawings, and sculptures by the artist.
After lunch, visit the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium, which is the largest art museum in the country. The museum’s collection includes works by famous artists such as Rubens, Van Dyck, and Bruegel.
Finally, end your day with a visit to the BOZAR, a cultural center that hosts a wide range of exhibitions, concerts, and performances throughout the year. The center is housed in a beautiful Art Deco building and features works by both Belgian and international artists.
You will find street art all throughout the city. Every street you walk down, you’ll be sure to locate art on the sides of buildings. From TinTin, to Manneken Pis art, to abstract, the art is endless.
Day 3: Food & Shopping
Four things Belgium and Brussels are known for: their fries, waffles, chocolates, and beer!
Start your final day in Brussels with a visit to the Sablon neighborhood, which is notorious for its high-end antique shops and art galleries. After browsing the shops, head to the Place du Grand Sablon, which has charming cafes and restaurants nearby.
Next, visit the Marolles neighborhood, which is famous for its flea market. The market is every morning and is indeed the perfect place to find unique souvenirs and vintage items.
For lunch, head to the Sainte Catherine neighborhood, which is home to Brussels’ famous seafood restaurants. Be sure to try the mussels and fries, a classic Belgian dish.
After lunch, take a walk through the Royal Saint-Hubert Galleries, a stunning arcade that is home to a variety of luxury shops and boutiques. Here, you will find many popular chocolate shops. End your day with a visit to the Delirium Café, which is known for having the largest selection of beers in the world.
Other Activities to add to your itinerary
Take a Foodie Tour
If you love a food tour, be sure to check out one of these Get Your Guide tours below:
Learn about Belgian Beer: Belgian Beer Tasting & Course
Learn about Belgian chocolate while making your own: Belgian Chocolate Workshop
If you’re looking for a food tour with a little more included, check out: Walking Tour with Belgian Lunch, Chocolate, & Beer
Check out all the other tours in the city: Brussels Tours
Brussels is a beautiful and diverse city that has something to offer every type of traveler. Whether you have an interest in art, culture, history, food, or shopping, Brussels has it all. Follow this ultimate three-day itinerary and you will especially have an unforgettable trip to this amazing city!
Also, check out 10 Beautiful Sites to Visit in Brussels, Belgium for a more detailed guide of all the sites in Brussels to see while in town!
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