The BEST 3 Days In Brussels Itinerary | 2025

Spending 3 days in Brussels is just the right amount of time to get a feel for the city, especially if it’s your first visit.

I lived in Belgium and spent a lot of time in Brussels, so I’ve crafted the ultimate itinerary that covers must-see attractions, hidden gems, and even a day trip from Brussels.

Thanks to Belgium’s excellent public transport system, Brussels is also a great base for exploring the rest of the country.

This 3-day Brussels itinerary is perfect for those who love to have a packed itinerary and want to discover as much as possible on a short trip.

Let’s get started!

Brussels 3 Day Itinerary At a Glace

Before we get into the day-by-day itinerary, let’s look at what your trip will look like.

As you can see, your itinerary is pretty packed, but it all flows perfectly. I love walklable cities like Brussels as you can see so many attractions while strolling through the city.

Brussels is a perfect long weekend destination and a great base to explore Belgium on a quick, but fun trip. You can switch up days 2 and 3 if you want to!

Also, it can be done on a budget despite being an expensive city, so what’s not to love?

Day 1: Walking Tour, Grand Place, Manneken Pis

Join a Free Walking Tour

My favorite way to discover a new city is by joining free walking tours. They’re a fantastic way to explore while getting fun insights from locals, and I loved the one I took in Brussels.

Most tours kick off at Grand Place, so if you’re not joining a tour, this is still the perfect place to start your day in Brussels.

🚶‍♀️Sign up for the Brussels free walking tour here!

Admire the Grand Place

Brussels’ Grand Place isn’t just any main square, it’s the main square. Voted the most beautiful square in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage site, it’s an absolute must-see.

Dating back to the 12th century, the buildings here have been standing (mostly unchanged) for the last three centuries. 

Every time I visit Brussels I spend so much time admiring the historic guildhouse and their intricate facades, with the Old Town Hall stealing the show.

See Manneken Pis (and Find His Peeing Friends)

You’ve probably heard of Brussels’ most famous landmark, Manneken Pis. But did you know it’s just a tiny 55.5 cm statue of a peeing boy? Yep, that’s it.

Despite its size, it’s a must-see, and if you’re lucky, you might catch him dressed in one of his many outfits! There’s even a whole museum dedicated to his wardrobe.

But Manneken Pis isn’t the only one—track down his sister Jeanneke Pis and their dog Het Zinneke to complete the set.

Check Out Les Galeries Saint Hubert

Did you know that the Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert is the oldest glazed shopping arcade in Europe? It dates back to 1847, and it’s quite interesting to see it’s still functioning!

You might not do much shopping here, but it’s fun to step inside and picture what luxury shopping looked like back in the day. 

If you want to buy something, it’s a good place to get some Belgian chocolate!

Take in the View from Mont des Arts

Next up, visit Mont des Arts for one of the best views of downtown Brussels. Sit in the rose garden and soak it in before heading uphill to the Musical Instrument Museum.

Not into museums? No worries, the building itself is worth a stop even if you don’t get in!

Wander the Cobblestone Streets of the City Center

I highly recommend just wandering and getting lost in the historic center. The cobbled streets are packed with charming townhouses, cute little shops, and hidden gems waiting to be found.

For example, the Brussels Stock Exchange building is free to visit and quite impressive.  

Church of Saint Catherine is another spot worth visiting, and make sure to check out the hidden Black Tower dating back to the 13th century.

The area around the church is a great spot for lunch! I really liked Maha Falafel restaurant for a quick falafel sandwich.

Visit the Palais de Justice

The Palais de Justice is one of the grandest buildings in Brussels, and when it was finished in 1883, it was the biggest building in the world.

It’s been under renovation for years, but even with the scaffolding, it’s still seriously impressive. The best part? It’s free to go inside, and the interior is just as stunning as the outside!

Catch a Sunset at Poelaert Square

Right in front of the Palais de Justice, Poelaert Square is an underrated sunset spot. I often came here with my friends to have a drink and enjoy the view, and on a clear day, you can see all the way to Atomium and Koekelberg Basilica.

Even if you don’t make it for sunset, it’s still one of the best panoramic viewpoints in the city and you can just take an elevator back downtown.

End the Night With Belgian Beers at Delirium Bar

While you can get a beer basically everywhere in Brussels, Delirium Bar is legendary. 

If you like beer (or even if you don’t), this place is a must-visit. They have over 2,000 beers, so you’re pretty much guaranteed to find one you like.

Want to learn more about beer in Belgium? You can also join a beer-tasting tour!

Hungry Mary’s Famous Beer and Chocolate Tour is the most popular tour in Brussels and it regularly sells out, so do NOT wait!

Day 2: European Quarter, Parc du Cinquantenaire, Activity

On your second day in Brussels, you’ll venture outside the city center and see a more modern area of Brussels before joining some fun activities!

You can sleep in today after your beer tasting yesterday, and ease into the day with sightseeing in the morning.

Visit European Quarter

Brussels is also known as the capital of the EU and the place where many European institutions are based.

I actually visited the European Parliament as I was there once during their open-door days, but it’s interesting to see even if you don’t go inside. 

Parc du Cinquantenaire

Next up, make your way to Parc du Cinquantenaire, Brussels’ most impressive park. This place isn’t just a little park, it’s a massive, historic landmark with a stunning triumphal arch at its heart.

On sunny days, you’ll find locals picnicking, jogging, or just enjoying the sun. At the same time, it might not be worth venturing out to see it in the winter, as it is a bit sad-looking.

Fun Afternoon Activity

I’m so excited for your afternoon as you’ll join one of the fun workshops and learn how to make waffles or Belgian chocolate.

It’s truly one of the best things to do in Brussels, and it works whether you visit Belgium in summer or winter. In fact, it’s one of the best things to do in Brussels when it rains, and it rains a lot!

So, how do you choose which one to go for? It really just depends on do you want to eat waffles or chocolate. They’re both fun and similarly priced, so go for the one that speaks to you.

Brussels Waffle Workshop

First, we have the waffle-making class. It’s quite basic in my opinion, but it’s fun. 

There are two types of waffles in Belgium– Brussels and Liege waffles– but you’re only learning how to make the Brussels waffle here.

The class is really simple, you mix the batter and bake the waffles. Also, you get to eat an unlimited amount of waffles and take some home, making it a really good deal.

🧇 Check the availability of the Brussels waffle workshop here!

Belgian Chocolate Pralines Workshop

I don’t know about you, but I’ve made a fair share of waffles at home, so I’d rather go for the Belgian chocolate-making class. Now that is something you don’t do every day!

During this 2.5-hour workshop, you’ll dive into the world of Belgian chocolate, learning about the different types, and the techniques used by chocolatiers, and making your own! 

Plus, you get to taste-test everything and take home a box of 30+ handcrafted chocolates!

Do NOT wait until you’re in Brussels to book your spot. Book Belgian Chocolate Pralines Workshop now to get the time slot you want! 🍫

Day 3: Bruges & Ghent Day Trip

On your final day, you’ll take a day trip from Brussels! 

It’s a shame to come all the way to Brussels and miss out on the picturesque medieval towns of Bruges and Ghent. 

Depending on your budget and motivation, you have 3 options for how to spend this day.

The best way is to take an early morning train to Ghent, explore the city until lunchtime, then hop on a quick 20-minute train to Bruges. 

You’ll spend the afternoon wandering the fairytale streets of Bruges before heading back to Brussels in the evening. 

If that sounds a bit too hectic, you can always choose to visit just one city, either Bruges or Ghent. That way, you’ll have more time to soak in the atmosphere without feeling rushed!

I have dedicated posts on how to spend 1 day in Bruges and the best things to do in Ghent in one day, so you can check it out next!

Both cities are dotted with picturesque corners and cobblestoned streets lined with historic houses.

Finally, you can simply join an organized tour from Brussels to Ghent and Bruges. It is affordable and you don’t need to worry about catching trains. 

If you want to join the Bruges and Ghent Day Trip from Brussels book in advance! 🛤️

How to Get to Brussels

You can reach Brussels by air, train, or bus from pretty much anywhere in Europe!

Traveling to Brussels by Train

With high-speed trains, you can get to Brussels from London, Amsterdam, or Paris in just two hours.

If you’re coming from a neighboring country, this is the best way to go as it’s fast, comfortable, and you avoid airport hassle. However, it can be pricey.

Traveling to Brussels by Bus

If you’re on a budget, buses are the way to go. It’s usually the cheapest way to get to Brussels if you’re backpacking Belgium, and Brussels is well-connected to tons of cities across Europe.

I took a Flixbus from London to Brussels once, it was SO LONG, but less than €20! Can’t beat that!

Flying into Brussels

Brussels has two international airports, so check where your flight is landing before booking a ticket.

• Brussels Zaventem Airport (BRU) – The main international airport, just 20 minutes from the city center by train.
• Brussels Charleroi Airport (CRL) – The budget airline hub (hello, Ryanair). It’s about an hour away from the city and you’ll have to take a shuttle.

How to Get Around Brussels

Brussels is the capital of Belgium, but it’s not as big as other Western European capitals like Paris or London. If you stay in the city center, you can simply walk everywhere like I did!

Walk Around the City

Brussels is super walkable, especially in the city center where many areas are pedestrian-only. If you love strolling through cute streets and discovering hidden gems on foot, you’ll love it here.

Public Transport in Brussels

The public transport system in Brussels is run by STIB-MIVB, and it works fine. You’ve got metros, trams, and buses to get anywhere you need.

If you plan on using public transport a lot during your 3 days in Brussels, you can get a pack of tickets or a daily pass.

Can You Bike in Brussels?

Absolutely! I used to cycle everywhere when I lived in Belgium as it’s the most bike-friendly country ever, and Brussels is no exception. 

You’ll find Villo! self-service bikes all over Brussels, making it an easy and budget-friendly way to get around. 

A day pass costs just €1.50, and the first 30 minutes are completely free. If you need the bike for longer, it’s only €0.50 per additional 30 minutes (or you can return it and grab another to reset the timer).

Brussels Travel Budget

So, how much does 3 days in Brussels cost? Well, that depends.

Your budget will vary based on your travel style and you could spend anywhere from €150 to €700+ on a 3-day trip to Brussels. 

Let’s break it down so you can figure out where you fit.

Accommodation in Brussels ranges from €35 per night for a hostel dorm to €200+ per night for a nice hotel. If you book in advance, you can find comfortable budget hotels for around €80–€100 per night.

For food, you’ll find everything from cheap eats like frites (€5) and waffles (€4–€8) to sit-down meals at restaurants that cost around €15–€25 per dish. If you’re on a budget, grabbing food from bakeries or supermarkets can help you save.

Transportation costs depend on how much you walk. Brussels is very walkable, so you could spend €0 per day if you explore on foot. You’ll also have to count a day trip to Bruges and Ghent.

Your activities budget can also vary. When I was backpacking Belgium on a budget I stuck to the free activities. However, it’s worth 

If you’re interested in visiting several paid attractions, it might make sense to get a Brussels Card (24, 48, or 72 hours) which includes free entry to most museums and discounts on other attractions.

At the end of the day, Brussels can be as affordable or as pricey as you make it, depending on where you stay, what you eat, and how many activities you pack in!

Summary: 3 Days In Brussels Itinerary

Brussels is a fantastic 3-day city getaway, with so many fun things to do.

Spending a full 3 days in Brussels might be a bit too much for most travelers, but it’s a fantastic base for day trips around Belgium. Most places are just an hour away by train!

It’s a great destination year-round if you can handle occasional rain. Luckily, the locals adapted and there are many things to do in Brussels when it rains.

Now that you know how to spend 3 days in Brussels, are you visiting other places in Belgium too? Check out my 7 days in Belgium itinerary that covers the perfect route to follow, even without a car!