Visiting Brussels in a day is not at all crazy. The capital of Belgium is a compact city that can be discovered and enjoyed in just a few hours. From marveling at the Grand Place to discovering the small and charming Manneken Pis, it outlines an itinerary for exploring Brussels in a day.
How to get around on this itinerary for Brussels in a day
You don’t need to worry too much. This one-day itinerary for Brussels is designed to be entirely on foot. In truth, all the monuments in the city center are quite interconnected.
Where to stay to visit Brussels in a day
Belgium is a country with much to offer. You’ll have many cities to visit, but our advice is to spend at least one night in Brussels to make the most of your day. We stayed at the Hotel Marivaux and highly recommend it.
We’ve marked all the locations of the best things to see in Brussels in a day on a map to help you navigate better.
Grand Place, the most spectacular place to see in Brussels in a day
The first place you must visit in Brussels is the Grand Place, which is so majestic that it will leave you in awe. In fact, it is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its beauty lies in its imposing buildings. The most important ones are the city hall and the Maison du Roi, which was once the residence of the royal family and is now the Brussels City Museum.
The square itself is a spectacle, especially during Christmas when it is covered by a giant carpet of flowers.
Manneken Pis, a must-stop on your itinerary for Brussels in a day
This 61cm bronze boy might be the most famous sight in Brussels, but its history is unclear. Depending on whom you ask, it symbolizes the Belgian attitude towards authority, or it pays homage to a boy who tried to extinguish a fire with his own resources.
Regardless, this friendly statue is a must-see, and you’ll likely find it dressed in one of the more than 600 costumes stored in the city museum. There’s also a female version (Jeanneke Pis) and a dog version (Zinneke Pis) around this Brussels icon.
Around this Brussels icon, there are plenty of waffle shops offering waffles for just €1. Even if you’re visiting Brussels in a day and pressed for time, stopping to taste this Belgian delight is a great idea.
Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula, one of the most beautiful buildings to see in Brussels in a day
It’s not just Brussels’ cathedral; it’s Belgium’s cathedral. It has been in the city since the 13th century and was the church of St. Michael until the remains of St. Gudula were housed there in 1047. Its good condition today is thanks to restoration work done in the 1980s.
Now, you can see it in all its splendor. If you’re curious about the interior, you’ll find beautiful 16th-century stained glass windows, a spectacular organ with 4,000 pipes, and statues of the apostles.
Les Galeries Royales Saint Hubert
Whether you like shopping or not, you have to visit Europe’s oldest shopping arcades. Since 1837, they have been a meeting place for intellectuals and artists in the city. Covered by a beautiful glass roof, they connect the Theatre de la Monnaie with the Grand Place.
The 200-meter-long Royal Galleries Saint Hubert are filled with luxury storefronts. There are jewelers, clothing stores, a cinema, and, being in Belgium, major chocolate brands are also present.
Jeanneke Pis, one of the quirkiest places to see in Brussels in a day
Did you know there’s also a female version of Brussels’ most famous boy? Jeanneke Pis is located near the lively Rue des Bouchers. This sculpture from 1987 is much more modern than Manneken Pis and was commissioned by a restaurant owner.
It stands in front of the city’s most famous pub, boasting a menu of up to 2,000 beers. Getting to know this statue is a curious thing to do in Brussels!
Eat at Frites Atelier
When visiting Brussels in a day, you’ll appreciate grabbing a quick bite, and this is the perfect place to do it! They serve delicious fries, a quintessential dish of Belgian cuisine. Belgian fries are different, and here you can have the best in the city. They offer a wide variety, and they always advise you on the best possible combination. Finger-licking good!
Capture the best photo of Brussels from Mont des Arts
If you want a privileged view of the Belgian capital, we recommend climbing this small hill just outside the city center. From there, you’ll have a stunning view of Brussels.
Photograph the beautiful Old England building
Right next to Mont des Arts, you’ll see one of the most beautiful buildings on this tour of Brussels in a day. It’s a jewel of Art Nouveau built in 1899. It was once a very important shopping center and is now home to the Brussels Musical Instruments Museum. If you’re into music, it’s an interesting visit.
Entrance to the museum costs €15, but it’s free with the Brussels Card.
Enjoy the Royal Palace and its gardens
The Royal Square is one of Brussels’ most elegant spaces, housing the Parliament of Belgium, the Palace of Justice, and the Royal Palace, the seat of the Belgian monarchy. It’s not the residence of the kings, but rather offices, some ministries, and meeting rooms.
Eat the best waffle in the city at Aux Gaufres de Bruxelles
Finally, to end this tour of Brussels in a day, we couldn’t let you leave the city without trying its delicious waffles. Like fries and chocolate, waffles are also part of Belgian culture. If you’re looking for a great place to eat waffles in Brussels, we recommend this centrally located spot. It’s quite spacious, prices are reasonable, and the waffles are delicious.
Exploring Brussels in a day offers a delightful blend of historic landmarks, culinary delights, and unique cultural experiences. From the majestic Grand Place to the quirky statues like Manneken Pis and Jeanneke Pis, every corner of this charming city reveals something intriguing. Whether savoring Belgian waffles, capturing breathtaking views from Mont des Arts, or discovering the elegance of the Royal Palace, Brussels leaves a lasting impression on all who visit. With its rich history and vibrant atmosphere, Brussels invites you to immerse yourself in its wonders and create unforgettable memories.