Famous for its waffles, fries and chocolate, we couldn’t wait to cover Brussels in a weekend. So here are our top 11 things to do with 2 days in Brussels.
1. Grand Place
From the Town Hall to Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, the Grand Place is the hub of Brussels and home to some of the most magnificent buildings in the country.
This central square of the city is the natural starting point for most tourists with 2 days in Brussels, as it’s an easy place to visit some of the most memorable landmarks in the capital.
If you’re looking to cram in as much as possible with a helpful guide you may want to check out the Brussels Express Tour with Belgian Lunch, Chocolate, & Beer.
This is a quick and easy way of enjoying traditional chocolates, beer, mussels, frites, waffles, and more. All whilst seeing the historic monuments surrounding Grand Place.
Grand Place is also considered as one of the most beautiful squares in Europe, so is a definite must see on your Brussels in a weekend tour.
2. Manneken Pis
Just down the lane from Grand Place stands the most famous little dude in Brussels.
Translated from Flemish to ‘peeing boy’, Manneken Pis is a small bronze sculpture of a naked boy urinating into a fountain.
There are many tales to be told about Manneken Pis. Although the majority refer to that fact that he helped save the city of Brussels during war times by peeing on gunpowder fuses or even peeing on the enemies themselves.
Either way, he can now be seen on memorabilia all over the city and is recognised as one of Brussels’ most popular landmarks!
Make sure chuck him into your 2 days in Brussels itinerary!
3. Eat, Eat, Eat!
Along the way on your Brussels in a weekend itinerary you’re going to need feeding!
Well Belgium, and Brussels in particular, is known for its fabulous naughty food. From waffles, to chocolate and fries we tried it all!
A few of our favourite spots we have to mention are:
Maison Dandoy – for the most incredible waffles we have ever tasted!
Pistolet Original – for an easy snack in the form of some traditional Belgian buns.
Frit Flagey – for arguable the best fries in the city!
There also some highly rated tours such as the Brussels Chocolate Tasting Tour, or the 2.5-Hour Belgian Beer Tasting Experience.
‘Brussels in a weekend’ could easily be turned into ‘Brussels in a month’ with all it’s delicious food selections. As for the Belgian chocolate – we’ll move onto that soon.
4. Mont Des Arts
The Mont Des Arts is an easy way to kill some free time on your 2 days in Brussels or alternatively, an awesome spot for sunset!
We headed down on our final evening, to take a look at the viewpoint from the garden on the hill. A garden that overlooks some of those famous Brussels landmarks.
There were dog walkers, as well as buskers, and it just had a really pleasant vibe to it!
Mont Des Arts should definitely be included when planning Brussels in a weekend.
5. Chocolate Workshop
Located literally next door to the Mont Des Arts we found one of the highlights of our trip. The all important chocolate stop!
With plenty of chocolate tours and workshops available on your 2 days in Brussels itinerary, here are a few of the most popular:
2.5-Hour Belgian Chocolate Making Workshop
Brussels Chocolate Tasting Tour
Brussels: Chocolate Workshop and Guided Walking Tour
We were lucky enough to take part in a chocolate making workshop with the well known chocolatier Laurent Gerbaud.
It was an ideal way to kick that chocolate craving to the curb, and enjoy some of the highest quality chocolate in Belgium.
Not only was Laurent a fantastic host, but he was one hell of a character. Both the chocolate making experience, and of course the tasting, are something you’ll never forget if chocolate is your kind of thing.
6. Marolles Flea Market
The only market in the world to open 7 days a week, 365 days a year!
If you fancy something a little different, yet still a typical Brussels in a weekend experience, then why not head to Marolles Flea Market early one morning.
Unfortunately, we visited when it was raining – though there were still plenty of locals lined out showcasing their antiques and selling off old goods at cheap prices.
The market is open daily 6am – 2pm.
7. Tram Experience
Besides the naughty snacks of Brussels, there are also plenty of high quality restaurants to choose from.
So we decided to switch it up on one of our 2 days in Brussels, by taking a fine dining experience on a tram!
One of the most entertaining evenings we had during our Europe trip, was riding through Brussels on the Tram Experience. Enjoying a seasonal menu designed by some of the city’s top chefs along the way.
It was a night to remember as we took a two hour journey through the lit-up capital all whilst tucking into a five course meal accompanied by wine and champagne.
It’s definitely something we’d recommend for a special occasion, or something for food fanatics to add to your Brussels in a weekend itinerary.
8. Cinquantenaire
The Parc du Cinquantenaire is a huge 19th century city park. Consisting of floral gardens, fountains and a military museum, it’s a must visit when covering Brussels in a weekend.
An easy walk from either Schuman or Merode station, the park is a beautiful place for history lovers or photographers alike.
Built to commemorate fifty years of Belgian independence, the name means ‘Park of the fiftieth anniversary’ and is located close to the European Quarter.
9. The Atomium
How could we not include the most famous atom in the world on our 2 days in Brussels itinerary!
You will need a Brussels Atomium Admission Ticket to visit the Atomium. They are cheap enough at £14 per adult, and are easy enough to be book in advance.
From the centre of town we jumped in a taxi to make sure we had plenty of time at the Atomium.
Possibly the most recognised landmark in Brussels, this silver coloured collection of spheres represents a single unit of iron crystal magnified 165 billion times.
Originally built in 1958 as part of Brussels World’s Fair (Expo 58), we took a tour of the inside as it celebrated its 60th birthday and it’s definitely a bucket list item if heading to the capital.
10. Botanical Garden
The perfect place for a spot of lunch!
We grabbed a sandwich and headed over to the Botanical Garden to soak up the last bits of Autumn sunshine, and relax in the urban style flower park.
If you’re looking to escape the city for a little while then this is a beautiful spot.
Influenced by many European countries, it makes for a great break within the business district.
11. MIMA Museum
When we were told about a former brewery that’s been turned into an exhibition of contemporary art, we had to visit!
The MIMA, or the ‘Millennium Iconoclast Museum of Art’, presents the most significant art of its time, and explores a history of culture. Celebrating some of the largest movements of the past 100 years.
Through historic posters and modern artwork, the MIMA is an interesting visit that we’d definitely recommend adding to your Brussels in a weekend itinerary.
Where To Stay In Brussels
Luxury – Hotel Metropole
This Deco hotel dating from 1895 is situated in the historical centre of Brussels, a 10-minute walk from Grand-Place and .
The marble staircases in the lobby lead up to the rooms, which include a TV with internet access.
The Hotel Metropole also offers 24-hour room service.
The breakfast room has the same layout and design as the Akshardham Temple in Delhi, India.
There is also Cafe Metropole where you can enjoy a premium brasserie-style cuisine in Brussels typical tradition. Guests at Hotel Metropole benefit from 6 free minibar drinks.
Mid-Budget – Vintage Hotel
Offering free WiFi throughout the property, this hotel has rooms with 70s-style décor and flat-screen cable TV.
It includes a stylish boutique wine bar and a spacious courtyard terrace. Hotel Brussels is also only 50 yards from the fashionable Avenue Louise shopping area.
Each of the rooms at Vintage Hotel Brussels includes work desk, a modern bathroom and an iHome docking station with music player, radio and alarm functions.
Guests can make use of the free WiFi. A buffet breakfast featuring fresh fruit, coffee and pastries is available daily.
Budget – Train Cabin Hostel
Located on a roof, Train cabin Hostel offers an unique concept in Brussels.
The accommodation is in an actual train sleeper cabin, used on the Belgian Railways.
The Cabin has an exterior shared bathroom fitted with a shower.
The unit comes without bedding, therefore guests bring their own sleeping bag.
For more places to stay in Brussels, you can check the latest prices on Booking.com.
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Trip sponsored by Visit Brussels
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