Famous for waffles, fries and chocolate, of course we couldn’t wait to visit the capital of Belgium. So here’s our one day in Brussels itinerary.
Getting Around Brussels + Tips
Getting around Brussels couldn’t be easier. There are generally 3 options:
By Public Transport:
The most convenient way to explore Brussels, is with a little help from public transport.
You can buy a Brussels Card with STIB Public Transportation, which allows unlimited use of all STIB buses, trams or metro lines for 24, 48 or 72 hours in the Brussels Region.
The Brussels Card also gives free access to 41 museums in Brussels, plus discounts on the most popular attractions, so it’s certainly worth the investment.
By Hop On Hop Off Bus:
Standard buses are available around Brussels with the Public Transportation Card.
However, there is also of course the famous Brussels Hop-on, Hop-off Sightseeing Bus.
This bus lets you jump on and off throughout the city, and explore monuments such as the European Parliament, the Museum of Fine Arts and the world famous Atomium.
This option is always popular among tourists, and a is great way to see many famous landmarks around Brussels at ease.
By Tours:
Some of the best days out we’ve had in Brussels have been on private tours.
For those short on time, or that prefer everything to be organised for them, there are some awesome tours on Get Your Guide available to book in advance.
From food tours, to river cruises and chocolate workshops, there’s plenty to keep you busy in the Belgian capital!
WHAT TO PACK
DSLR Camera: Canon EOS 90D
Tripod: Zomei Z666 Tripod
Day Bag: Manfrotto Manhattan Mover-50
Reusable Water Bottle: Hydro Flask Water Bottle
Rain Jacket: Columbia Lightweight Rain Jacket
Grand Place
The first stop on your one day in Brussels itinerary has to be the 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, as it’s an easy place to visit some of the most memorable landmarks in Brussels.
It is also considered as one of the most beautiful squares in Europe.
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.
Manneken Pis
Just down the lane from the 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 has to be included in your one day in Brussels itinerary!
Eat, Eat, Eat!
Along the way on your one day in Brussels 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.
Your ‘one day in Brussels itinerary’ could easily be turned into a ‘one month in Brussels itinerary’ with all it’s delicious food selections. As for the Belgian chocolate – we’ll move onto that soon.
Mont Des Arts
For the afternoon, the Mont Des Arts is an easy way to kill some free time or alternatively, an awesome spot for sunset!
We headed across from the city centre to take a look at the viewpoint from the hill.
On the way to our chocolate workshop we walked through the popular 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 as a quick stop when planning a one day in Brussels itinerary.
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 in the city 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.
The Atomium
How could we not include the most famous atom in the world!
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.
Tram Experience
To wrap up our evening we headed back to the city for a very different kind of 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 by taking dinner 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 one day in Brussels 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
@visitbrussels
www.visit.brussels
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