7 days in Brussels, Belgium: What to see, eat and do. Full city guide
Ah, Brussels! This vibrant, cosmopolitan capital of Belgium is a must-visit destination packed with history, art, and culture. As the de facto capital of the European Union, Brussels is an exciting mix of innovation and tradition. Be prepared to be enchanted by the stunning Grand Place, the impressive Atomium, and the quirky Manneken Pis. And did I mention the food? From waffles to chocolate and mouth-watering fries, you’re in for a gastronomic treat!
Things to Consider Before Arriving in Brussels
Multilingual City: Don’t stress about language barriers; most people in Brussels know English, French, and Dutch.
Artistic Heritage: Comic book fans and art lovers will delight in the city’s rich artistic history, including its famous comic strip murals.
Weather: Brussels can be quite rainy, so pack and plan accordingly.
Brussels is a great destination for history buffs, foodies, and art enthusiasts!
What to Bring With You
Make sure you pack comfortable, waterproof shoes, a lightweight rain jacket, and an umbrella. Belgian weather can be unpredictable, so layering is key. Don’t forget a plug adapter for your electronic devices, as Belgium uses Type E sockets.
Best Time of the Year to Visit
The ideal time to visit Brussels is from April to June, during spring, or from September to October, when it’s autumn. During these periods, you can expect relatively mild weather, fewer tourists, and more affordable accommodation.
How to Get Into the City
1. By Plane: The Brussels Airport is the main international airport that serves the city. From here, you can take a train or bus directly to the city center.
2. By Train: Brussels is well-connected to major European cities like Amsterdam, Paris, and London by high-speed trains (Eurostar, Thalys, and ICE).
3. By Bus: Numerous bus companies, such as FlixBus and Eurolines, provide affordable transportation to Brussels from various European cities.
7 day city guide trip in Brussels, Belgium
Day 1
Start your day with a visit to the iconic Atomium, an impressive structure that resembles an atom and offers stunning views of the city from the top. After that, head to the Grand Place, the central square of Brussels, where you can admire the beautiful architecture of the surrounding buildings and have lunch at one of the many outdoor cafes. In the afternoon, visit the Manneken Pis, a famous statue of a little boy peeing, and then explore the nearby Sablon district, known for its antique shops and art galleries. End the day with a delicious dinner of Belgian cuisine at Chez Léon, a popular restaurant that has been serving moules frites (mussels with fries) since 1893.
Day 2
Take a day trip to the charming city of Bruges, just an hour away from Brussels by train. Walk along the picturesque canals, visit the medieval Belfry tower, and enjoy a Belgian waffle or some chocolate in one of the many cute cafes. Don’t miss the chance to try the locally brewed beer as well!
Day 3
Start your day with a visit to the Royal Palace of Brussels, a beautiful neoclassical building that serves as the official residence of the King of the Belgians. After that, head to the Museum of the City of Brussels, housed in the magnificent Gothic-style Maison du Roi, to learn more about the history and culture of the city. In the evening, visit Delirium Café, a famous bar that offers over 3,000 different types of beer!
Day 4
Visit the European Parliament, located in the European Quarter of Brussels, to learn more about the workings of the European Union. Afterwards, stroll through the nearby Cinquantenaire Park, home to several museums including the Art and History Museum and the Royal Museum of the Armed Forces. In the evening, head to Place Saint-Géry, a trendy area with plenty of bars and restaurants.
Day 5
Take a day trip to Ghent, a medieval city with stunning architecture and a lively atmosphere. Visit the impressive St. Bavo’s Cathedral, home to the famous Ghent Altarpiece, and climb to the top of the Belfry tower for panoramic views of the city. Don’t miss the chance to try some of the delicious local specialties, such as waterzooi (a creamy soup with chicken or fish) and cuberdons (a type of confectionery).
Day 6
Explore the Marolles district, known for its charming antique markets and vintage shops. Visit the Horta Museum, a beautiful Art Nouveau building that was once the home and studio of Belgian architect Victor Horta. In the evening, head to Les Brassins, a cozy restaurant that specializes in traditional Belgian dishes such as stoemp (a mashed potato and vegetable dish) and vol-au-vent (a pastry filled with chicken and mushrooms).
Day 7
Visit the beautiful Royal Greenhouses of Laeken, which are only open to the public for a few weeks every year. Admire the stunning architecture of the greenhouses and the exotic plants and flowers that they house. After that, head to the nearby Atomium park for a picnic and some relaxation. In the evening, visit the historic Delvaux store to see the famous Belgian handbags and other leather goods.
How to continue your travel after you have spent 7 days in Brussels
If you have more time to explore Belgium, consider taking a day trip to Antwerp, a lively and cosmopolitan city that is famous for its fashion and culture. Visit the impressive Cathedral of Our Lady and the Rubenshuis, the former home of the famous Flemish painter Peter Paul Rubens. Alternatively, head to Leuven, a vibrant student town that is home to one of the oldest universities in the world. Visit the beautiful Gothic-style Town Hall and the impressive library of the university, and try some of the local beers at one of the many bars and cafes. Both cities are reachable by train from Brussels and take around half an hour to an hour to get to.
