Brussels

5 day Brussels itinerary

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🏨 Recommended Areas to Stay

• Grand Place (Grote Markt): Stay in the heart of the city, close to major attractions like the Grand Place and Brussels Town Hall.
  
  

• Ixelles: A trendy neighborhood with a multicultural vibe, offering a mix of cafes, shops, and art galleries.
  
  

• Sablon: A charming and upscale area known for its antique shops, art galleries, and cozy cafes.

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🚶‍♂️ Getting Around Brussels

• Metro and Trams: Brussels has an extensive metro and tram system that’s perfect for getting around the city.
  
  

• Buses: Easy to navigate, buses connect more areas of the city.
  
  

• Walking: Many of Brussels’ major attractions are within walking distance, so be sure to explore on foot.
  
  

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🗓️ Day 1: Discover the Heart of Brussels

Morning:

• Start your day at the Grand Place (Grote Markt), the stunning central square surrounded by historic guildhalls and the majestic Brussels Town Hall.
  
  

• Visit Manneken Pis, the famous bronze statue of a little boy peeing, just a short walk from Grand Place.
  
  

Afternoon:

• Head to Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, a beautiful covered shopping arcade filled with luxury boutiques and chocolate shops.
  
  

• Take a stroll to the Mont des Arts, a hill with panoramic views of the city and several museums, including the Royal Museums of Fine Arts.
  
  

Evening:

• Explore the Place du Grand Sablon, known for its antique shops, chocolate boutiques, and cafes. Enjoy dinner at one of the many fine restaurants in the area.
  
  

🗓️ Day 2: Dive into Brussels’ History and Culture

Morning:

• Visit the Atomium, an iconic building and museum that represents an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times. You can explore its spheres and enjoy spectacular views of the city from the top.
  
  

• Afterward, head to Mini-Europe, a park featuring miniature replicas of Europe’s most famous landmarks.
  
  

Afternoon:

• Spend the afternoon at the Royal Palace of Brussels and the surrounding Brussels Park. Although the Royal Palace is not always open, the park is perfect for a relaxing stroll.
  
  

• Check out the Belgian Comic Strip Center, where you’ll discover the fascinating world of Belgian comics, including Tintin and the Smurfs.
  
  

Evening:

• Have dinner in the Sablon district, a great place to try Belgian specialties like moules-frites (mussels with fries) and stoofvlees (beef stew).
  
  

🗓️ Day 3: Explore Art, Parks, and Neighborhoods

Morning:

• Begin your day at the Musée Magritte Museum, located in the Place Royale. This museum showcases the works of the surrealist artist René Magritte.
  
  

• Take a walk through Parc du Cinquantenaire, a large park with impressive arches and museums, including the Royal Army Museum and the Autoworld Museum.
  
  

Afternoon:

• Head to Flagey, a lively neighborhood known for its food scene. Stop by Place Flagey and enjoy a coffee or lunch at one of its many trendy cafes.
  
  

• Visit the Bozar (Centre for Fine Arts), a cultural center that hosts exhibitions, concerts, and theater performances.
  
  

Evening:

• Enjoy the evening in the Ixelles neighborhood, where you can explore vibrant streets and dine at one of the multicultural restaurants in the area.
  
  

🗓️ Day 4: Day Trips from Brussels

Full Day:

• Spend the day exploring beyond Brussels. Here are two excellent options:
  
  

  • Day Trip to Bruges: A charming medieval city that’s just an hour away by train, Bruges is known for its beautiful canals, cobblestone streets, and historical buildings.
    
    

  • Day Trip to Ghent: Another picturesque Belgian city, Ghent boasts stunning medieval architecture and is less crowded than Bruges, making it a great option for a day trip.
    
    

Evening:

• Return to Brussels and have dinner in Leopold Quarter, known for its mix of Belgian cuisine and international dining options.
  
  

🗓️ Day 5: Discover Brussels’ Hidden Gems

Morning:

• Start your day by visiting Cinquantenaire Park, where you can explore the Autoworld Museum, showcasing vintage cars, and the Royal Museum of Art and History.
  
  

• Visit Horta Museum in the Saint-Gilles district to discover the stunning art nouveau designs of architect Victor Horta.
  
  

Afternoon:

• Take a walk through The Marolles, a vibrant neighborhood known for its flea market at Place du Jeu de Balle and its mix of antique shops and street art.
  
  

• Visit Laeken Park and The Royal Castle of Laeken, the residence of the Belgian royal family.
  
  

Evening:

• End your trip by enjoying dinner at Place Flagey, where you can sample local Belgian dishes in a lively setting. If you enjoy craft beer, stop by one of Brussels’ many beer bars to try a variety of local brews.
  
  

Optional Add-Ons

• Beer Tours: Belgium is famous for its beer, and Brussels offers several brewery tours and beer tastings.
  
  

• Chocolate Workshops: Try a hands-on experience in one of Brussels’ renowned chocolate shops, where you can learn how to make Belgian pralines.