How To Spend 2 Days In Brussels Itinerary | 2026
Wondering how to spend 2 days in Brussels? You’re in the right spot!
Brussels is a city full of picturesque streets, great vibes, and plenty of attractions, whether you’re into history, food, or just soaking in the atmosphere.
I lived in Belgium and visited Brussels countless times, so in this guide I will show you all the best things to see and do in Belgium’s capital, where to stay, how to get around, and where to eat!
Let’s jump into your 2 day Brussels itinerary!
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. I hope you find the information here helpful!
Brussels Itinerary Day 1
1. Join a (free) walking tour
It’s not a secret that free walking tours are my favorite way to discover a new city.
I think it is the best way to learn more about the place you visit from locals who are knowledgeable and passionate about their cities.
Most free walking tours start from Grand Place, so that is where we begin this itinerary if you’re not joining a walking tour.
2. Admire the Grand Place
This impressive main square is the most famous landmark in Brussels. It is not surprising this square was voted the most beautiful square in Europe and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The oldest references to Grand Place date back to the 12th century, and after some renovations, it remained virtually unchanged for the past three centuries.
Admire the impressive historic guild buildings around the square with the Old Town Hall as the crown jewel.
3. Grab a snack – a vegan waffle in VeganWaf
Waffles are an unofficial Belgian signature food. There are two varieties of waffles in Belgium, the Brussels waffle and the Liege waffle.
VeganWaf, right next to Grande Place, serves a vegan version of the Liege waffle. It is the best waffle I’ve ever tried. I even suggest you don’t add any toppings to taste the waffle better!
If waffles are not your thing, there are plenty of vegan restaurants in Brussels to choose from!
4. See Manneken Pis and find other peeing statues
You’ve probably heard about Brussels’ most famous symbol – Manneken Pis. But did you know it is a 55.5 cm tall statue of a peeing boy?
Yes, Manneken Pis is tiny.
Nonetheless, it is a must-see in Brussels. If you are lucky, your visit will overlap with a holiday, and you will see Manneken Pis dressed up in one of his many special outfits!
If you want to learn more about this unusual statue, there is a museum dedicated solely to the Manneken Pis wardrobe you can visit.
Manneken Pis is not the only peeing statue in Brussels! Find his sister Jeanneke-Pis and their dog Het Zinneke.
5. Stroll the cobblestone streets of the City center
Once you’ve seen the Grand Place and Manneken Pis, I suggest just getting lost exploring the cobblestone streets and admiring the architecture of Belgian townhouses.
The historic center of Brussels is compact, and there are many small shops and picturesque sights to discover.
6. Check out the shopping arcade Les Galeries Saint Hubert
Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert, built in 1847, is the oldest glazed shopping arcade in Europe!
You probably won’t do much shopping there as it is mainly souvenir and upscale shops, but it is a lovely place to imagine what shopping was like all those years ago.
7. Admire the view from Mont des Arts
Make your way to Mont des Arts for an exceptional view of downtown Brussels. Sit on one of the benches in the rose garden and relax before continuing uphill to the Musical Instrument Museum building.
You don’t need to visit the Museum if it is not something you’re interested in, but the building is unique and worth a stop!
If you want to visit multiple paying attractions in Brussels, it might be worth getting a Brussels Card.
The card can be valid for 24,48 or 72 hours and it offers a free visit to 49 museums in Brussels along with some other perks and discounts.
➡Check the rates and what’s included in your Brussels Card here!
8. See Palais Royal
Did you know that Belgium is a Kingdom?
Well, now you know!
Belgium still has a king, but the royal family doesn’t live in the Royal Palace.
9. The Palais de Justice
The Palais de Justice is one of the most majestic buildings in Brussels. When its construction finished in 1883, it was the largest building in the world.
Unfortunately, this impressive building has been under renovation for years, but you can still see its beauty beneath the scaffolding.
It is free to enter the Palais, so a visit should be on your itinerary. Its interiors are equally as impressive as the exterior!
10. Watch the sunset at Place Poelaert
Poelaert Square in front of the Palais de Justice is an unusual but popular spot to grab a drink and watch the sunset.
Even if you don’t come there at sunset, it offers one of the best views of the city! On a clear day, you can see Atomium and Koekelberg Basilica.
11. Sample Belgian beers in the Delirium bar
Delirium Bar is a cult spot in Brussels!
It is still a must-visit place today, as it was 12 years ago when I first visited Brussels as an underage high school student who didn’t understand all this hype around beer.
Delirium serves more than 2000 types of beer, so you have great chances of finding one you like!
If you want to learn more about beer, Belgium is the perfect place for that. Join the Belgian Beer Tasting & Course to learn everything you need to know about Belgian beers!
🍺This is the most popular Belgian Beer Tasting & Course so book in advance to ensure you have a spot!
Brussels Itinerary Day 2
12. Visit the European Quarter
Brussels is also known as the European Capital. It is home to many European institutions, including the European Commission, The Economic and Social Committee, the Committee of the Regions, and others!
All these institutions are conveniently located in the same area. You can visit some of them, like the European Parliament, and see a place where European policies are created.
FUN FACT: Place de Luxembourg, nicknamed Plux, is the place to be on Thursday night if you want to enjoy the nightlife in Brussels. It is the night when all internationals gather for a drink, and the bars around the square are bustling.
13. Stroll Cinquantenaire Park
Cinquantenaire Park, built in 1880, is the most impressive park in Brussels.
It is a mixture of French-style gardens and historic monuments, the most notable being the Cinquantenaire Arcade, the triumphal arc commemorating Belgian independence.
14. See Atomium
Atomium is another unexpected Brussels landmark. It is located outside the city center, and you have to take a metro to visit.
Atomium is exactly what it sounds like – a massive replica of an atom.
Just like the Eiffel Tower in Paris, Atomium was built as part of the World Expo for the 1958 Brussels World’s Fair. Today, it is a museum you can visit and even climb some of the spheres!
Is the Atomium worth visiting? It depends.
You can get an Atomium ticket and climb to the top of the Atomium for a spectacular view.
But even if you don’t go inside, seeing the Atomium up close and admiring it from outside for free is worth the trip.
15. Visit Koekelberg Basilica
If Atomium doesn’t sound like a place for you, the National Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Koekelberg is another tourist attraction outside the city center.
It is the 5th largest church in the world! You can climb the observation platform on the roop, until 5 pm, for an incredible view of Brussels.
16. Follow the Comic Book Route
Finally, if you don’t want to leave the city center on the afternoon of your second day in Brussels, you can try something unusual.
Brussels loves comics, and they even have a whole Comic book Museum you can visit!
If you are ready for a scavenger hunt, check out the Comic strip route map, and go on an adventure!
There’s also a Comic Museum I visited on my first trip to Brussels! It’s fun.
17. Grab a drink at Place Sainte-Catherine
If the evening of your second day is available, head back to the city center and grab a drink or dinner at Place Sainte-Catherine.
This charming square in front of the Church of Saint Catherine is lined with little restaurants and bars. It is popular with locals and a perfect way to end your 2-day trip to Brussels.
Alternatively, you can join a Beer tasting Pub Crawl. It is a great way to discover the best bars in the city and try some of the iconic Belgian beers.
🍺 Check rates and availability of Beer Tasting Tour with 8 Beers and Snacks here!
More Things To Do In Brussels
If you’re spending 3 days in Brussels or more, or you’re a fast traveler and you did everything on this list in 1 day, the best thing to do is to go on a day trip from Brussels and discover the rest of the country.
Mini Europe is one of the more popular tourist attractions in Brussels.
I visited when I was 17 and found it somewhat geared towards kids. That is why I would not recommend it for adult solo female travelers, and I would not visit again today.
However, if it looks like something you’d like, go ahead!
Belgium is a relatively small country that is exceptionally well connected by an extensive railway network.
You can reach virtually any destination in Belgium by train, and it will take you less than 3 hours from Brussels to every border.
If you’re wondering should you visit Ghent or Burges, I suggest you do both!
If you visit Belgium in summer, a day trip to the Belgian coast is a perfect way to escape the city heat.
Where To Stay In Brussels?
Accommodation in Brussels is not cheap, so expect Western European prices even for hostels!
A well-rated hotel room in a budget-friendly hotel is anywhere from €70 to €120 per night. Hostel dorm beds go from 30€ to 50€ a night.
Here are the best places to stay in Brussels for 2 days:
- TOP Pick: Urban Yard
- Mid-Range Option: The Mila Hotel
- Best Backpackers Hostel: Meininger Hostel
Best Time To Visit Brussels
The best time to visit Brussels weather-wise is spring and early autumn.
April, May, June, September, and October are the best months to visit Brussels.
Another popular time to visit Brussels is in winter as it is home to a fantastic Christmas market that is well worth a visit!
Brussels is a great year-round destination as most activities are not tied to the weather. However, winters are grey and rainy.
Bundle up and bring an umbrella if you decide to add Brussels to your winter backpacking itinerary.
Summer is the high season for Brussels, similar to the rest of Europe. If you want to skip the crowds, plan your visit outside the summer months.
The weather in Belgium is notoriously unpredictable, and you might get caught in the rain any time of the year.
How To Get To Brussels?
You can reach Brussels by air or bus and train from many neighboring European countries.
Traveling to Brussels by train
Thanks to fast trains you can reach Brussels from London, Amsterdam, and Paris in 2 hours! Trains are the most comfortable way to travel to Belgium from neighboring countries.
I love Trainline for cross-border trips because they allow you to book a ticket for multiple different operators on the same platform.
Traveling to Brussels by bus
Traveling by bus is usually the cheapest way to get to Brussels.
I once took a bus from Paris to Brussels as it was half the price of a train ticket. The journey is a bit longer, but it is worth it if you’re traveling to Brussels on a budget!
The most popular long-distance bus operator is Flixbus, but you can check the prices and times of the Blabla bus and Eurolines.
Flying into Brussels
Brussels has two international airports.
Brussels Zaventem Airport is the main international airport. It is a quick 20-minute train ride from the center of Brussels.
Brussels Charleroi Airport is a budget airline hub. If you are flying Ryanair, you will probably fly into Charleroi. The airport is an hour bus or train ride away from Brussels.
To keep the ticket price low, consider packing in a personal item only so you don’t pay baggage fees. I only took my small backpack on my last trip to Belgium!
Getting Around Brussels
The best way to discover Brussels is on foot.
It is easy to walk around Brussels as the city center is fairly small and many areas are pedestrian-only.
Alternatively, public transport in Brussels works great and includes a network of metros, trams, and buses.
Public Transport In Brussels
The public transport operator in Brussels is STIB-MIVB.
The trip planner on their website works great for figuring out routes, as well as Google Maps!
A great thing to know is that a single ticket is valid throughout the STIB-MIVB network within the hour of the first validation. Check all ticket fares on the STIB-MIVB website.
Cycling In Brussels
You can also bike in Brussels! In fact, Belgium is one of the most bike-friendly countries in the world, and that includes Brussels!
You can find self-service Villo! bikes for rent all over the city. You don’t need to be a local in Brussels to use them!
Vegan food in Brussels
You don’t have to worry about food in Brussels as a vegan. Brussels is one of the most vegan-friendly cities in Europe!
You will be spoilt for choice with vegan options in Brussels. According to the Happycow app, there are 26 fully vegan restaurants, while there are more than 480 places with vegan options.
Eating out in Brussels is pricey – western Europe prices. Vegan alternatives are slightly more expensive. Nevertheless, it is possible to stay on a budget.
Rather than having every meal in a restaurant, cook some meals yourself. Grocery stores like Del Haize and Carrefour have plenty of vegan alternatives!
Yet, you can’t miss out on Belgian waffles! They are the quintessential Belgian dessert. Grab the best vegan Belgian waffle in VeganWaf.
Brussels Travel Budget
You should budget anywhere between €50 to €100 a day if you are traveling on a budget.
Most of your budget will go on accommodation, while other costs are easily adjustable.
Here are the typical costs broken down so you can adjust your budget to your traveling style.
- Accommodation is expensive in Brussels. Even if you keep all the other costs down, the cheapest hostel dorm bed is 30€. If you want to stay in a private room, you are looking at €60 to €80 per night.
- Transportation can be 0€ if you choose to walk everywhere. However, some attractions, such as Atomium, are too far to walk and your accommodation might be far from the city center. Contactless payment for single tickets cap is 7,50€, so that is your daily maximum. Check transportation ticket fares on the STIB-MIVB website.
- Eating out in Brussels is pricey. The average takeaway-type lunch meal will cost you around 10€, while a meal in a restaurant is around 15€. Waffles and breakfast pastries are about 3€, while lattes in cafes are about 5€.
- Drinks in bars are 5-10€. If you want to save money, go for a beer. Belgium is famous for its beer after all!
- Attraction costs will depend on many factors. It’s good to know that if you are a student, you can save money on tickets with your student card! You can choose not to visit any paid attractions. Even if you opt for a free walking tour, you should tip at least 5-10€.
FAQ: Brussels On A Budget
You need at least 2 days in Brussels, and it’s a perfect destination for a weekend or a city break. The city is relatively small, and most tourist attractions are in the city center, so you can see all the main highlights in 2 days.
Brussels is generally a safe city, so you should not be afraid of visiting Brussels solo. However, pickpocketing and petty theft are quite common in the city center, so keep your valuables safely stored. Always zip or close your bags, and do not carry your phone in your back pocket.
Yes, Brussels is well worth a visit! It is a lively city with a unique international atmosphere, full of history, culture, and delicious food! Also, it is still a hidden gem among the European capitals, often overlooked in favor of Paris and London.
Final thoughts: 2 Days In Brussels Itinerary
And there you have it, the perfect weekend in Brussels itinerary!
From exploring the picturesque cobblestone streets of the city center, to sampling the best Belgian beers, there is something for everyone in Brussels.
It is one of the cities I keep coming back to, and I always enjoy my time in the city!
If you have more time in Brussels, it is the perfect base for day trips. Some of my favorite day trips from Brussels are Ghent, Bruges, and Leuven.
