2 days in Brussels Itinerary: How to spend a weekend in the city

Brussels, capital of Belgium is a city full of art, museums, delicious food and varieties of Beer. Also, Who doesn’t love Belgian Waffles and fries!!! If you love any of the above, you should definitely visit Brussels

So are you wondering, how to spend the weekend in Brussels? Look no more, I got you covered

Manneken Pis

After Grand Place, this should be your next stop to see. This is where you will find a small statue of a little peeing boy. You won’t be spending too much time here but it is still worth a visit. This statue has been a symbol of Brussels for ages and at certain times, the boy gets dressed in colourful outfits which is so cute!!!

Also once in a year, the boy pees beer too

Les Galeries saint Hubert

Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert (Les Galeries saint Hubert) is a very famous shopping arcade in Brussels and it is one of first shopping arcades built in Europe in 1847. The distinct architecture of the gallery and the glass roof is highly admirable and it still hosts some of the special shops, café and famous chocolatiers.

Place Sainte Catherine

Place Sainte-Catherine is one of the iconic places of the city and is very famous among tourists as well as locals. The area is full of exotic restaurants and there is a pond right in the centre where you can just hang out.

Square du Petit Sablon

This place was not in my itinerary and I accidently found this spot while walking in the city. The flower garden of square du Petit Sablon is an architectural gem right opposite the Church of Our Lady of the Sablon. A fountain statue stands in the garden, surrounded by benches where you can enjoy the sunny weather or take a rest after all the walks around the city.

Belgian comic strip center

A museum dedicated to Belgian comics, the Belgium Comic Strip Center showcases the rich history and culture of Belgian comics. The museum hosts both permanent and temporary exhibitions. The famous characters like Tintin and Smurfs will lead your way to the adventures and I would highly recommend to visit this place if you have more time in your hand.

Mont Des arts

Mont des arts is one of the most beautiful place to visit in the city. It connects the lower town with upper town. The Mont des Arts is a cultural and tourist complex in Brussels, Belgium, featuring a garden, terraces, and several museums and cultural institutions. It offers a panoramic view of the city and is a popular spot for visitors and locals alike.

Jeanneke Pis

Similar to Manneken Pis, Jeanneke Pis is a statue of a little girl squatting and urinating in the fountain.

Delirium Village

When you walk to see Jeanneke Pis, you will enter an alley known as Delirium Village. This alley is part of the Delirium Cafe chain, famous for its selection of over 3,000 varieties of beer, which is the largest in the world. After a tiring day of exploring the city, this place is best to relax and try their famous beers.

Day 2 – Detailed Itinerary

Mini Europe

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Mini Europe is a miniature park in Brussels featuring scale models of famous European buildings and landmarks. It has over 350 miniature buildings and landmarks from all across the Europe

Atomium

The Atomium, considered the Eiffel tower of Brussels, serves as a major landmark in the city. It was built as a symbolic structure for the 1958 World’s fair. It is now a very popular tourist destination and also offers panoramic views of the city from the top sphere. The top sphere also has a restaurant which is little expensive but will be perfect for a special celebration. The Atomium is also a cultural center and hosts exhibitions, conferences and events

Basilique Nationale du Sacre coeur

National Basilica of Sacred Heart is a roman church with the 5th largest dome in the world. The church was constructed in the early 20th century, and it welcomes visitors every day. The Basilica also offers panoramic views of the city from its observation deck.

Parc du Cinquantenaire

Also known as Jubelpark is home to several important buildings including the Cinquantenaire museum and the Arc de Triomphe. The park offers a serene environment with lush greenery, various walking paths, picturesque gardens, and tranquil lakes, making it an ideal spot to unwind and take in the beauty of Brussels on a lovely day.

Where and What to Eat in Brussels

Brussels is a food lover’s paradise, offering a wide variety of delicious cuisine. Here are some must-try dishes and places to eat in Brussels:

1. Moules-frites (mussels and fries) – A classic Belgian dish, mussels are typically served in a creamy sauce with a side of crispy fries. Some of the best places to try them include Chez Leon, Aux Armes de Bruxelles, and Le Pain Quotidien.
2. Waffles – Brussels is famous for its waffles, which can be enjoyed plain or with a variety of toppings such as chocolate, fruit, or whipped cream. Some of the best places to try waffles include Maison Dandoy, Le Pain Quotidien, and Waffle Factory.
3. Chocolate – Brussels is home to many world-renowned chocolate shops such as Godiva, Neuhaus, and Leonidas.
4. Belgian Beer – Belgian beer is renowned for its high quality and unique flavors. Some of the best places to try Belgian beer include Delirium Café, Moeder Lambic, and Cantillon.
5. Frites – Another Belgian staple, frites can be found at many street vendors and restaurants throughout the city. Some of the best places to try frites include Fritland, Fritkot, and Frit Flagey.

Note: Many street vendors uses Beef oil for the frites so if you are vegetarian(or have any religious restrictions), always make sure to ask the vendors if they also use vegetable oil.

How to get around Brussels

There are several ways to get around Brussels, each with their own pros and cons.

1. Public Transportation: Brussels has an extensive public transportation system that includes buses, trams, and metro. The system is convenient, efficient, and relatively inexpensive. You can purchase a one-day or multi-day pass or get a MOBIB card, which allows you to use all public transportation in Brussels as much as you want.
2. Walking: Brussels is a very walkable city, and many of the main attractions are located within a relatively small area. Walking is a great way to explore the city and discover hidden gems.
3. Biking: Brussels is a bike-friendly city, and there are many bike lanes and bike rentals available. It is a great way to get around and see the city from a different perspective

Ultimately, the best way to get around Brussels will depend on your personal preferences and what you plan to see and do. A combination of different ways of transportation can be a good option