Best 2-day Brussels Itinerary for Busy Travellers

After that week of pure study or work, everyone in the family deserves a good vacation. For people working on the holidays and weekends, the only way you can enjoy a suitable break in this beautiful city are at the weekends. Those 2 days in Brussels may not be enough to see everything, but we have a 2-day Brussels itinerary that will make your short stay pleasing and worthwhile.

Before Arrival

An Affordable Brussels Trip

Whether you head to Brussels with kids, friends, or by yourself, museum visits are always part of your itinerary. Though you may only be in the city for one night and two days, you also want to save your budget for gifts, meals, hotels, and future vacation plans. We recommend setting a date and getting a Brussels Card before arriving in the city.

The Brussels Card is available for a 24, 36, or 48-hour tour. Have you had a bad experience with city cards? Brussels Card offers the best discounts and promos for travellers like you! If museum trips are right up one’s street, you can get free entries to the most popular attractions, museums in Brussels, and other hidden gems.

The excellent pros do not end with free museum passes. You can have discounts and even freebies from a Brussels attraction, restaurants, and shops when you have a Brussels Card. The deals even go as high as 25%!

Reaching these historical and elegant places is one thing you should consider with your travel in Brussels budget. Luckily, you can also purchase a Brussels Card with a free public transport pass for your 2-day stay.

Tickets for Brussels Card

Tickets for Brussels Card + Transport

Booking a Place to Stay

Everyone loves a good discount, and you can get that by booking a hotel or B&B days before your Brussels visit. You may want something near the famous landmarks, transportation systems, or nearby shopping and eating districts. But what most travellers wish to is a relaxing place fit for their budget and a 2-day itinerary.

Dainty and Affordable

Some travellers want to visit Brussels Belgium places as much as possible for a short trip that they stay for a few hours at a hotel. If you have a packed schedule or want to save more for food and gifts, we suggest staying at these affordable options. Get the best retreat under €100! 

50’s studio Parc Marie-Josée offers a modern yet homey accommodation that is fit within your budget. In the Deluxe Double Room, you have a complete bath, bed, and entertainment amenities in a 55 m² space. It also comes with a breakfast buffet and a beautiful view of the city right outside your window. You are surrounded by cafes, restaurants, sights, and public transportation. Check available rooms here!

If you want a bright city and hotel vibe, another affordable place is Logement dans le coeur de Bruxelles. Their Superior Studio can cater to up to four people! It is 5 m² smaller than our first recommendation, but the combination of minimalist furniture and other amenities, and the combination of wood-design marble floor and light walls maximizes the overall interior.

It is also located right at the heart of the city just 1.7 km or less away from famous sights such as the Grand Place and Choco Museum. Check available dates at Logement dans le coeur de Bruxelles here.

Mid-priced Relaxation

Are you visiting Brussels during a business trip? Extend your stay to a relaxing place for another night or two by spending a few extra cash. With the calming designs and additional amenities, these places are the best in recharging you for your 2-day trip around the city under €150.

Hotel Made In Louise is one of the most suggested places to stay. Though their standard double room is only 17 m² big, it is surrounded by museums and public transportation and is just a few meters away from the recommended places to visit in Brussels. The snack bar is also a significant favourite among guests! Check available rooms and dates here.

We recommend staying at B&B Moensberg’s Double Room with Garden View. The place offers quiet relaxation and a complimentary continental breakfast for two! If you want to stay away from the hustle and bustle of the city and still feel like you are at home, this is the best place to be. You can also find restaurants and cafes in just a few steps. Check available dates here.

B&B Villa 36 offers you nicely decorated rooms and a superb continental breakfast. Similar to the Hotel Made in Louise, it is also just a 15-minute walk from the famous sights at the heart of Brussels and an endless list of restaurants. Despite being in the centre, you can have a good night’s rest as the B&B is on a quiet street. Book a room at B&B Villa 36 today!

Luxurious Rest

If you have been saving for this moment, make your stay worthwhile by experiencing the best in life. Brussels is one of the few cities globally that boasts impressive architecture, and the hotels also showcase eye-catching interiors and exteriors. When you only have a few places lined up for your trip, you will have a good night’s rest, meals, and try different amenities that are worth the splurge.

Louise sur Cour surprises you with its spacious Superior Suite with elegant furniture, ensuite bathroom, chandeliers, a fireplace, and other room furnishings. The 62 m² neo-classical style room makes you feel like living in a lavish home. It comes with a garden view, and the best part is that the famous sights are just a few steps away. Finally, their continental breakfast is a superb treat to your palate. Check the best dates and rates for Louise sur Cour!

We recommend Art de Sejour – B&B for business trips with extended stays. It may not be as spacious as the Louise sur Cour, but it has everything a VIP needs. The Mac computer and minibar ensure your stay is satisfying and productive.

The city view, soundproofing, ensuite bathroom, clean interior, and iPod docking station make the Superior Room convenient and relaxing. Customers also brand their continental breakfast to be superior. Among our recommended places, Art de Sejour – B&B is the closest to the Grand Place, Brussels Museum, and more! Check room availability and latest booking rates here.

2-day Brussels Itinerary – Places to Visit

Brussels Day Trip: Day 1

Whether you arrive by train, plane, or bus, all transportation trips can take a toll on you. If you just finished your business meeting in Brussels and are about to start your vacation, you are in luck to begin your trip before a good rest and meal. Others on the other hand may arrive around lunchtime or late hours in the morning, and here is what to do in Brussels Belgium.

For the first day in Brussels, we suggest you take an easier route by touring the heart of the city! Right after you unpack, it is best to limit your walking time or transportation with a shorter trip from one sight to another monument or museum. 

See Amazing Architectures at the Grand Place

Brussels surprises you with gorgeous buildings from the 17th century when you step into Grand Place. The central square is the best place to visit in Brussels as it welcomes you with its Outstanding Universal Value, as recognized by UNESCO in 1988.

If you love architectural marvels, the large square offers you a combination of styles from the Baroque guild houses to the Gothic Brussels Town Hall. The pinnacle of the Grand Place is the Hotel de Ville, used by the royal family for parties and other events. Then, facing it is the King’s House that still blends with the gothic and baroque ensemble.

The Grand Place has so much to offer that if you go to the small streets, you get a combination of restaurants and a mix of modern and historical businesses thriving today. You may also get a chance to see hidden gems tucked in these areas.

Smell the Sweet Aroma at the Museum of Cocoa and Chocolate

When in Belgium, you should never miss out on going on a chocolate adventure, and the Museum of Cocoa and Chocolate provides you that. It is one of the most recommended places to visit with the whole family. 

The museum takes you on a tour of the history and process of creating the velvety Belgian chocolate that the whole world loves! Every day, you get to see chocolate demonstrations and workshops made for adults and kids. All visitors do not go home empty-handed from pralines to other chocolate treats.

Besides the chocolate programs, chocolate galleries show you the process of producing Belgian chocolate. If you have the Brussels Card, the tickets are free, but you can also purchase them online. 

Visit Mannekin Pis, Zinneke Pis, and Jeanneke Pis

Your third stop is another free access. Have you ever read about the peeing boy statue from travel blogs in Brussels? Even you are just spending one day in Brussels, you should never miss out on visiting the Mannekin Pis. Along the Rue de l’Etuve, the 61-cm bronze fountain sculpture welcomes travellers with a splash.

Tourists and even VIPs like presidents and other famous people take a peek at Mannekin Pis and sometimes even gift the statue with more costumes, making it the best tourist attraction in Brussels. Currently, it has over 1,000 costumes perfect for every occasion! The best time to see the figure in its colourful clothing is visiting during the holidays. 

Just less than 10 minutes and steps away from the Mannekin Pis are the Zinneke Pis and Jeanneke Pis. These two sculptures are the counterpart of the well-known pissing boy statue in the form of a dog and a girl. When you are in Brussels, complete your tour by visiting them all. 

Shop at Royal Sint-Hubertus Gallery

Who said shopping should be done on the last day? I doubt you can do that when you are at Royal Sint-Hubertus Gallery. If you want a short break from all the walking and you feel a little hungry, this is the place to be!

The spectacular shopping place opened in 1847, and up until now, the building still stands and continues to be a home of shops, cafés, apartments, and restaurants. Luxury brands allure travellers, and elegant spaces attract thousands of people daily. It is also a centre for arts as painters and writers meet in places like the Cinéma des Galerie, Café des Arts, and more years ago.

Besides being a meeting ground for artists, museums and theatre shows continue to honour the men and women of science and art until today. After taking a quick shop and dining, one must visit the Galerie du Roi, housing the Museum of Letters and Manuscripts.

Dine at a Restaurant in Rue des Bouchers

Nothing beats walking along narrow streets and finding many restaurants and other shops. Like visiting other countries, you want to be with the locals and tourists in Rue des Bouchers. The narrow alleys feature a pack of colourful businesses, stores, cafes, and restaurants. Not all stores may offer luxury meals, but you can enjoy what budget meals locals go for.

Many restaurants here showcase their freshly caught seafood on ice, while others give your a dine-out experience. With dozens of restaurants and businesses to choose from, it can be a fascinating sight to you. We suggest tying Belgian food when you are on a snack or lunch break.

Take a Picture at Mont des Arts

Whether you are an Instagram influencer or just want to save a beautiful memory of your short trip here in Brussels, we suggest snapping the best photos at Mont des Arts. You can find this beautiful place on the North-South axis.

The vantage point is one of the most must-see Brussels places. The vantage point that links the working class to the upper aristocrats offers a beautiful view of the city. But what makes this cultural site an Instagram-worthy place is its magical city garden. The green transition gives your eyes a break from the architectural buildings.

Check Exhibits at Brussels City Museum

Finally, end your day with a trip to another Museum. This is another free museum access list when you have your Brussels Card with you. When you are at the Grand Place, visit the Brussels City Museum. Besides gazing at its fantastic architecture, it is also found inside the UNESCO World Heritage Site: Maison du Roi (King’s House).

What makes this different from the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium? The City Museum offers artworks about almost everything! You get a piece of everything from politics, history, and culture through paintings, tapestries, and other historical objects. There is so much to see that it may take more than an hour to visit every gallery.

Brussels Must See: Day 2

On your last day, we suggest you take a walk or trip further away from the heart of the city. The city offers so much more than a 2-day trip can cover. Further away from the hustle and bustle of tourists, you can find parks, architecture, and other historical landmarks to see and enjoy with the whole family and get to know the locals more.

Awake Your Inner Child on a Tour at Comics Arts Museum

The best part about travelling in Brussels is the distance. It may be the centre of Belgium, but it is not the biggest city in the country. Just after a good night’s sleep, head out to the Comics Arts Museum. Brussels is surrounded by comic book strips and other murals with comic book characters.

But going around the city and finding these sights one after another may take some time and may not be the perfect option for a short stay in Brussels. So we suggest going directly to the heart where famous characters are immortalized. The Comics Arts Museum offers tons of exhibits for a limited and long time.

From reading 60,000 comics to the history of comics, there are many things to do Brussels Belgium offers! Some travellers come with little to no knowledge about comics, but many appreciate this art and literary work.

Learn Music History at Musical Instruments Museum

Another museum on our list is the Musical Instruments Museum (MIM). You can enter the place for free with a Brussels card too! The building boasts Art Nouveau’s lasting beauty and Neoclassical architectural designs. Over the years, MIM has already collected 1,100 classical and contemporary musical instruments in 4 galleries. Inside the museum, you can hear various sounds of the instruments on display.

MIM is not only a place where you can see and hear these instruments come to life, but it is also a place for theatre, workshops, and relaxation. The breathtaking view at the rooftop restaurant is perfect for sightseeing in Brussels. It provides a 360-view of the city while sipping or eating the Belgian menu.

Take a Quick Stop at Parc du Cinquantenaire

Another picturesque stop in our 2-day trip to Brussels is the Parc du Cinquantenaire. Take a snap of the three-arch triumphal arch with the renowned bronze chariot. For students and professionals working with architecture projects, visiting the Palace of Cinquantenaire is a must see Brussels location.

Besides its impressive building details, the second urban park in Brussels hosts several events, sporting events, and firework displays that you should never miss out on during the holidays. Unlike Brussels Park or Laeken Park, you can mostly see working professionals taking a break here during lunchtime.

Though the park is not as lively as the others, this is the best place to be if you love statues. It is also the best place to be if you want to have a good walk and avoid the crowd. The Parc du Cinquantenaire is a good park alternative from Laeken Park, which takes almost 30 minutes by car.

Discover Dinosaurs at Museum of Natural Sciences

Brussels Card also treats you to a free entry to the home of over 37 million dinosaur specimens, renowned 30 fossilized Iguanodons from Wallonia, and skeletal remains of Tyrannosaurus rex, Plateosaurus, and other dinosaurs. The place is perfect for families, kids, and people who love dinosaurs and other living animals and ecosystems.

From 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM Tuesdays to Fridays and 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM over the weekends, you can let the kids have fun being palaeontologists rebuilding skeletons, digging minerals, and creating fossil prints through paleoLAB workshops. You can also take this tour late in the morning after visiting the open-air spaces in Brussels.

Without the Brussels Card, you can purchase regular tickets at €15,00, while senior visitors only have to pay €11,00. If you are with your kids’ ages 3 to 25 years old, the ticket costs €6,00 and the kids under 3 years old are free to enter. Museums love to offer discounts and the Museum of Natural Sciences does that too. Check out their promos and deals on their website.

Take a Short European and Science Tour in Mini Europe and Atomium

Have you ever dreamed of touring around Europe and visiting every prominent place, monument, and architecture? You do not have to ride a train back and forth or even fly when in Belgium. Mini Europe gives you the overall experience in just a few steps and heights.

The place is perfect for kids and adults who want to sneak peek at the most fascinating places in miniature forms. See the Big Ben to the Leaning Tower of Pisa! You can also experience moving some parts of the small Berlin Wall with the kids or watching interactive activities like Mount Vesuvius’s eruption!

Just a few steps away, there is the 55-foot silver atomic structure of Atomium. Witness light shows and other exhibits. You can also get a good view of space when you reach the tower’s top level. Both exhibitions are open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily.

Bond at Laeken Park or at Nearby Brussels Park

Everyone wants to take a short break, and when with kids, it is best to give them a fresh breath of air or play outdoors even while on a short trip. We suggest going to Brussels Park, also known as the Royal Park, for a nearby option. The 32-acre urban park is the perfect place to see local families and even tourists like you go for a walk or exercise.

As mentioned, people flock to the place for good sun and nature exposure. If you want to see the park come to life, visit the site on weekends. You see people doing other sports, groups of friends and family talking, and others just relaxing. Weekdays would be best for visitors trying to avoid large crowds.

You can go further away from the city centre to Laeken Park if you still have time. The English-style landscape hosts families, events, and the rare American Chestnut trees blooming yellow flowers. The place is ideal for travellers staying longer than 2 or 3 days and people who want to take a break and be surrounded by nature.

Seasonal Events

Do you love visiting countries or cities during a special holiday? When you visit during the best times in Belgium, you get to see the road extra colourful and make your 2-day holiday memorable. It is also the best moment to see and be like the locals. Have fun in Brussels by joining these events or watching flowers bloom!

The February Salon du Chocolat

If you are coming to Brussels in February, you are in for a chocolate celebration. Belgium prepares for the sweetest celebration in Brussels! The Brussels Chocolate Festival is different every year but what remains constant is the chocolate workshops, pastry programs, cooking classes, and even chocolate fashion shows! Get tickets for the fashion show here. 

September Beer Drinking

While other countries drink beer to the fullest during October Fests, you are in luck when you visit the city in September. They have a Belgian Beer Weekend Festival every year and you do not have to walk any further because the location is at Grand Place Brussels! 

Discover the 400 best Belgian beers and different places and breweries in Belgium. The entry is free but you need to pay for the beer. Besides a night of drinking and socializing, you also hear live music and watch shows. 

Winter Holiday Markets

One of the popular things to do in Brussels in December is visiting Christmas Markets and every city has their own themes and products on display. Brussels also opens the Grand Place for over 200 chalets offering different products according to the year’s theme. But some of the constant products are Christmas treats, local delicacies, and hot chocolate drinks perfect for the cold or rainy weather.  

Bi-Annual Flower Carpet

Another suggestion we have happens only once every two years. In August, the Grand Place blooms. The flowers cover the entire square during the Flower Carpet Festival. Plan ahead and find the best spot to view the entire mural made for flowers!

Spring Garden

If you love watching flowers and plants bloom, springtime is always the best season to witness those. The Royal Greenhouse of Laeken offers a green oasis that is only open for three weeks around April to May. When you sign up for the viewing, you get to see rare plants alive and well, dating back to King Leopold II’s plants.

Sign Up for a Free Walking Tours Brussels

We know how challenging planning a 2-day itinerary can be. If you have some trouble creating the best plan, how about taking one whole day as a walking tour? Rely on a tour guide to get you into the main sights plus historical facts from the lower to the upper city. How long does the trip last? The Brussels Free Walking Tour only takes 2.5 hours of your time. 

You and a group of travellers will walk with an English tour guide. The tour starts at the lower part of Brussels at 10:30 AM. The route takes you to the old streets and neighbourhoods in Brussels. The upper city tour begins at 3:00 PM, which shows the popular sighs, architecture, and monuments suggested by most travellers and locals. 

If you prefer to wander around the centre of Brussels yourself, we suggest getting a City Tour of Brussels: Audio Guide. It offers you a similar experience with the Brussels Free Walking Tour. All you have to do is download the POPGuide app to your phone and use the ticket for the audio guide. 

Once done, plug in your headphones and go near the famous 15 landmarks in Brussels. As you come near each sight, the audio starts to give you history and commentaries from experts. You can even use the app offline! No need to worry about extra mobile data charges!

Frequently Asked Questions  

---

Final Thoughts

Every vacation should be worthwhile and if you want to visit various places as much as possible, follow our 2-day Brussels itinerary. You can also spend these two days relaxing and enjoying the beautiful city like a local would do by joining day trips to Brussels or focusing your tours only on the heart of the town. But we suggest getting the Brussels Card and booking your stay before heading to the city for discounts and more budget for food and shopping!

 

Babs Rodrigus is a travel addict by heart and loves to explore her home country Belgium ánd the rest of the world – preferably with her wife and daughter. She’s all about showing you the most mesmerising spots in this tiny European country and making you see how great it truly is.

When she’s not travelling, Babs loves to read, write, eat chocolate (hey, Belgian remember) and sing Frozen songs with her daughter.