Brussels is the capital of Belgium and the main seat of the European Union. It is a mixed, multilingual city with an ornate medieval square, Art Nouveau houses and a famously good food scene.
It is smaller and quieter than most capitals, and makes a good short break. It is also an easy base for visits to Bruges, Ghent and Antwerp by train.
How many days: 2
Two days covers the centre and a couple of museums. Add a day to visit Bruges or Ghent, which are each under an hour by train.
Brussels rewards a slow pace, with long lunches and an afternoon in a cafe. Keep time free for browsing the chocolate shops.
What to do in Brussels
- See the Grand-Place
- One of the most beautiful squares in Europe, surrounded by ornate guild houses and the town hall. It is especially atmospheric in the evening.
- Visit the Magritte Museum
- The museum holds the largest collection of the surrealist painter René Magritte. It is part of a group of art museums in the same building.
- Look at the comic murals
- Belgium is the home of comic strips, and the city has painted giant murals of the characters on building walls. Follow the trail on foot.
- Explore the Art Nouveau houses
- Brussels is a centre of Art Nouveau architecture. Look for the curved ironwork and decorative facades in neighbourhoods such as Saint-Gilles.
- See the Atomium
- A giant steel model of an iron crystal built for a world fair. It is an unusual landmark with a viewing platform.
- Browse the Sablon
- A neighbourhood of antique shops, chocolatiers and a Gothic church. A pleasant area for a stroll.
- Visit the Royal Galleries
- A glass-roofed shopping arcade from the nineteenth century, lined with chocolate shops and cafes. A good spot for browsing in the rain.
- Visit the Cinquantenaire Park
- A large park with a triumphal arch and several museums, including a car museum and a military museum. A good place for a stroll.
- See Manneken Pis
- A tiny fountain statue of a boy, one of the city's best-known landmarks. It is smaller than most people expect, and a quick stop on the way past.
- Take a day trip to Bruges
- A medieval canal town under an hour by train. It is very popular, so go early or stay late for a quieter experience.
What to eat and drink
- Belgian chocolate
- Chocolate shops are everywhere, and quality is high. Buy pralines from a chocolatier, and choose a few to try.
- Belgian waffles
- Brussels waffles are light and rectangular, served with sugar or fruit. The Liège waffle is denser and sweeter.
- Frites
- Belgian fries are fried twice and served in a paper cone with sauces. Many locals insist they are Belgian, not French.
- Moules-frites
- Mussels cooked in white wine or cream, served with fries. A classic Belgian meal.
- Belgian beer
- The country has hundreds of beers, including Trappist ales and fruit lambics. Ask the bartender for a suggestion.
- Carbonnade
- A slow-cooked beef stew made with beer. A hearty traditional dish.
- Speculoos
- A spiced biscuit, eaten with coffee or spread on bread. A cheap, easy gift to take home.
Getting around
The historic centre is compact and best seen on foot. The metro, trams and buses cover the wider city.
Trains from the main stations reach Bruges, Ghent, Antwerp and Paris. They are frequent and fast.
Cycling is possible, but cobbled streets and hills can be tiring.
Good to know
- The weather is often grey and rainy. Bring a waterproof and an umbrella.
- Brussels has two official languages, French and Dutch. Most people speak English as well.
- Many shops close on Sundays outside the tourist areas. Check beforehand.
- Some parts of the city can feel rough around the main train stations. Stay alert and keep valuables secure.
- Brussels is a good city for a rainy-day break, with indoor arcades, museums and cafes. Plan some indoor options when you visit.