The Ultimate Day Trip Guide to Brussels: What to See, Eat & Do 

Brussels is the kind of city that feels just right for a day trip. It’s compact enough to wander on foot and every corner bursts with history and culture that will keep you coming back for more. I spent a three day weekend in Brussels Belgium and I must say, the city has a special knack for blending grand architecture and treats (chocolate and frites!) that makes your taste buds dance. I’m talking about traditional Belgian waffles, original fries, quality chocolate, and so many different types of beer that’s practically an art form. 

So whether you’re hoping to explore the past, chase that next great meal, or just visit a different country for a day, this is the ultimate day trip guide to Brussels. This guide has you covered for a full fabulous day in Belgium’s capital.

Things to Do in Brussels for a Day Trip

Morning: Iconic Landmarks & Eye-Catching Architecture

Mornings in Brussels are all about hitting the big sights before the crowds roll in. So grab a coffee and some pastries and start your day!

1. Grand Place (Grote Markt) – Europe’s Loveliest Square

You cannot skip Grand Place. If there is only one place you visit in Brussels, it needs to be here. The Grand Place is the beating pulse of Brussels and a UNESCO treasure. Surrounded by ornate Guildhalls, the towering Town Hall, and the Maison du Roi (House of the King), this square feels like stepping into a gorgeous medieval painting. The cobblestones gleam in the morning light and it’s quiet enough to really take it all in without the crowds. 

I know I’m recommending visiting the Grand Place in the morning, but if you have time, double back again in the evening. When I visited Brussels, it was raining, and the glow of the lights around the square reflecting off the cobblestone was one of the most magical sights I’ve seen so far in Europe…and that’s saying something!

If you’re here in August, the Flower Carpet Festival transforms it into a massive floral masterpiece with vibrant flowers and blooms stretching from wall to wall. 

2. Hôtel de Ville de Bruxelles

Right on Grand Place is the Town Hall which stands out among the buildings with its intricate Gothic facade and sky-high spire. Hôtel de Ville de Bruxelles is one of the oldest buildings there. Dating back centuries to 1401, city hall is captivating with its stone carvings and arched windows. If you’ve got an hour, I highly recommend popping inside for a guided tour. The grand chambers and tapestries feel like a gothic time capsule and you’ll get a peek into how this city’s history unfolded.

3. St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral

Just a short stroll from Grand Place is the 16th century St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral. This cathedral is up there with the likes of Notre-Dame in Paris. With its twin towers looming over a sea of stained-glass windows, the sun hits it just right making everything glow. The gothic cathedral is free to visit so step inside and experience the hush of the nave and see the ancient crypts below. Some of them go back as far as the 11th century. You can continue your tour by climbing up the tours for a view of the city as a bonus that is definitely worth it!

Are you traveling around Paris? Here are the 8 best day trips you can easily take by train.

4. Les Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert

Next up on your Brussels day trip itinerary should be Les Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert for what else: chocolate. Duck into this elegant 19th-century arcade under the glass roof as  light pours over luxury boutiques and chocolatiers that will tempt you at every turn. Check out Neuhaus, Pierre Marcolini, and Leonidas, they are legends for a reason. Even if you’re not buying chocolate, the atmosphere is still worth it. Grab a hot chocolate at Café Taverne du Passage for a rich velvety treat served with old-world flair. It’s the ideal way to warm up on a chilly morning.

Midday: Food, Museums & Cultural Highlights

By the middle of your day trip, you’ll probably be ready for a bite and a bit of culture. There are so many activities to choose from so here are a few of my favorites:

5. Belgian Waffle Break

Waffles are a Belgian rite of passage. Brussels-style waffles are different from any “Belgium Waffle” I ever had in the United States. They are light and crispy with perfect little rectangles but the Liège ones pack a denser sugary punch. If you’re looking for specific places, Maison Dandoy has waffles and a classic vibe, whereas Le Funambule nails the Liège game. Peck 47 adds a fun twist with toppings. My favorite toppings are speculous (cookie butter) and Nutella. Grab one to go and eat it on the street. Brushing off powdered sugar coating your fingers is half the fun.

6. Musical Instruments Museum

Housed in a jaw-dropping Art Nouveau building, this museum’s a delight for anyone who loves a good tune. The Musical Instruments Museum collection spans centuries from ancient lutes to funky 20th-century oddities, and you get to tour the museum with headphones to hear the instruments come alive. The real treat? The rooftop restaurant. The food’s good but the panoramic view of Brussels steals the show. It’s a great spot to catch your breath and appreciate some of the finer aspects of culture.

7. Parc du Cinquantenaire

This sprawling park feels grand with its massive triumphal arch. Built for Belgium’s 50th independence day, Parc du Cinquantenaire is beautiful and it comes with a bunch of museums. The Art & History Museum dives into everything from Egyptian relics to European artifacts, while AutoWorld is a dream for car fanatics. No time for going into the museums? Just walk around the grounds of the park. The wide paths and the photo-worthy arch make it a laid-back break between places.

Afternoon: Indulgent Treats, Beer & One-of-a-Kind Sights

Spend the afternoon of your day trip in Brussels diving into Belgium’s tastier side. The place is full of fries and beer you can devour before continuing your day of exploration.

8. Belgian Fries with Mayo – The Local Obsession

Brussels doesn’t mess around with fries. I know they’re called “french fries” but they originate from Belgium. In Brussels, they double-fry them to a golden crisp and serve them with a dollop of mayo. Better yet, try sauces like Andalouse (spicy with a pepper kick) or Samurai (creamy heat). Frit Flagey, Maison Antoine, and Fritland are my top picks for frites. If you’re not full yet from the waffles and chocolate, grab a cone of frites, find a bench, and watch the world go by. It’s simple, greasy perfection.

9. Brasserie Cantillon – Beer with Soul

To my beer lovers, this one’s for you. Cantillon is a family-run brewery crafting lambics the old-school way using wild fermentation in wooden barrels. The air smells sour and funky and the self-guided tour lets you see the magic happen. Sip a gueuze (sharp and complex) or a kriek (cherry-infused and tart). It’s not your average brewery and that’s why it’s so cool.

10. Atomium – A Glimpse of the Future

This gleaming silver structure is shaped like a giant atom and you can go up to the top. The Atomium was built for the 1958 World’s Fair and still feels ahead of its time. When I visited Brussels, I had fun climbing to the top and then poking around the interactive science exhibits inside. You can make the Atomium a quick stop on your day trip, but the combo of retro futurism and killer vistas makes it unforgettable. Plus, if you don’t have time to go Mini-Europe, you can get a good view of the majority of it from the top of the Atomium.

11. Mini-Europe – A Whirlwind Continental Tour

Right by the Atomium, Mini-Europe is a whirlwind of a continental tour. This quirky excursion shrinks Europe’s most famous landmarks into bite-sized models. There’s the Eiffel Tower, Big Ben, even a tiny erupting Mount Vesuvius. Mini-Europe is playful and a little cheesy, but that’s the charm. I think you’ll love it if you’re also a fan of Legoland.

Evening: Beer, Dinner & Scenic Night Views

As the day winds down, Brussels glows with cozy pubs and hearty meals you’ll savor and enjoy.

12. Mont des Arts – Sunset with a Side of Serenity

Head to this hilltop for the best golden-hour sunset perch in town. The city sprawls down below with its spires and twinkling as dusk settles. Taking a break at Mont des Arts is a peaceful way to start the end of your day trip before dinner. It can get a bit breezy up there so bring a jacket.

13. Belgian Beer at a Classic Pub

With over 1,500 beers to its name, Belgium’s the holy grail for hopheads. Trappist ales are monk-brewed and rich, Lambics bring that wild tang, and Saisons offer a crisp, spicy sip. Delirium Café boasts a dizzying menu, Poechenellekelder (that’s a mouthful) is full of cozy nooks and history, and Moeder Lambic shines with craft picks. Settle in, sip slow, and let the bartender guide you.

14. A Hearty Belgian Dinner

Dinner in my opinion is where Brussels flexes its culinary muscle. Dine on Moules-frites, mussels steamed in white wine with a pile of fries for a classic traditional dish. Chez Léon does it right but so does Noordzee. Carbonnade Flamande is a beef stew braised in beer that you must try, while Stoemp, mashed potatoes with veggies and sausage, feels like comfort on a plate. Short on time? A Croque Monsieur or Bicky Burger from a brasserie also hits the spot.

Optional Stops If You’ve Got Extra Time

If you have some extra time during your day trip or you’re staying for a weekend, consider adding a few of these excursions to your Brussels itinerary.

• Palais Royal: The royal family’s official home that is open in summer with lavish rooms to gawk at.
• Comic Strip Route: The well loved characters Tintin and Smurfs started in Brussels. Take a walking tour around the city and hunt down the murals splashed across the downtown walls.
• Sablon Square: Chocolate shops galore in a quaint pocket. Mary’s is quite popular.
• Bois de la Cambre: A lush park for a nature fix if the city bustle wears you thin.
  
  

The Perfect Brussels Day Trip

Brussels might not sprawl like some of the other European capitals, but it packs a punch. From the grandeur of Grand Place to the tang of a Lambic beer, every hour here feels full. A day trip to Brussels will have you leaving with a full belly happy from waffles and fries and a camera of gorgeous shots. Who knows, maybe even a chocolate stash for the road. What are your top recommendations for Brussels? Drop it below!

Recommended Reads

Don’t Miss Any Future Posts!