Brussels 2-Day Travel Guide – What to see and do in the capital of Belgium

One of the most misunderstood cities in Europe, we admit the charms of Brussels may not be obvious at first glance. However, once you look beyond the bureaucratic façade, the depressing weather and the little-too-formal atmosphere, the Belgian capital is actually able to provide a very nice experience, perfect for a weekend getaway.

While it’s true Brussels may not be as picture-perfect as the likes of Bruges, Ghent or even Antwerp, it does offer a glimpse of somewhat of an unfiltered and more authentic Belgium, as this is the meeting point of Walloon and Flemish traditions. Perhaps that’s what makes Brussels so intriguing. A land that belongs to everyone and no one at the same time; a place without a single identity, but rather a melting pot of cultures shaped by the many immigrants, expats and wanderers who, for one reason or another, have come to call it home. Or maybe it’s just the waffles. Probably the waffles.

That being said, we invite you to have a look at our Brussels 2-day travel guide and discover the best the Belgian capital has to offer, including hotels, restaurants, tips to avoid tourist scams and even a detailed list with everything you must see and do in Brussels in 2 days.

Brussels 2-Day Travel Guide

How to get to Brussels – Flights Brussels from the UK

To no surprise, the Belgian capital is one of the best-connected in the entire European continent, with most visitors arriving through its two main air hubs: the Brussels-Zaventem Airport and the Charleroi Airport.

As such, if you’re traveling from the UK, it is possible to fly directly into Brussels-Zaventem from London-Heathrow (British Airways and Brussels Airlines), Birmingham (Brussels Airlines), Edinburgh (Brussels Airlines) and Manchester (Brussels Airlines). As for Charleroi, you can fly there directly from Edinburgh, Manchester, Glasgow and Liverpool, with all connections operated by Ryanair.

How many days do I need to visit Brussels?

Considering just how easy-to-access Brussels really is, along with the city’s relatively compact historic center and vast public transportation network, this has got to be one of the very best European destinations for a weekend getaway. You won’t even need to rush through things, as with 2 full days you’ll be able to check out the city’s top tourist attractions without the need to waste away any of your precious paid time off.

On the other hand, if you wish to add the very best of Belgium to your itinerary, you’ll need to take at least 5 days and head west towards Flanders, checking out popular places such as Bruges, Ghent or Antwerp.

Brussels 2-day travel guide – Best time to visit

Not a lot of wiggle room to be creative here! Considering the region is located in Europe, Spring, Summer and Fall are definitely the most sought-after months when it comes to booking a trip to Brussels, with the period between May and September standing out as the most researched. However, keep in mind accommodation prices will be through the roof during Summer months, especially if you happen to visit during Flower Carpet (July and August, every two years), when the Grand-Place is massively decorated with a carpet made of colorful begonias. Even so, if money isn’t really an issue, there’s no better time to visit Brussels than during this event!

On the other hand, you may choose to visit during shoulder-season, when temperatures tend to be more pleasant, the streets less crowded and the prices smaller. However, and for those strong-willed enough to face the rainy and damp Belgian winter, visiting Brussels in the winter can also feel refreshingly rewarding, as several Christmas markets spring up all around the city.

Documents needed for your trip to Brussels

Since Belgium is part of the EU, British citizens do not need a visa to visit. You’ll just need your passport, which must have been issued within the last 10 years and remain valid for at least 6 months from the date of your trip.

However, keep in mind that starting in mid-2025, British passengers will need to apply for ETIAS in order to enter any EU country.

Brussels 2-day travel guide – Withdrawals, banking fees and travel budget

With the Euro (€) as Belgium’s official currency, any withdrawal using a UK bank card might incur in the payment of several different fees. Besides the percentual fee referring to the currency conversion, some UK banks may also charge a flat commission for withdrawals made outside the UK. In some instances, you may well end up paying 5%-6% of your original withdrawal in banking fees.

On the other hand, exchanging money before your trip is not a viable solution either. Besides not being any cheaper, it’s also not safe or wise to carry so much money on you during your trip. As such, we recommend using the services of online banking fintech companies such as Revolut, N26 or Monzo.

Although each have their own limitations and fees, they allow you to withdraw a certain amount in foreign currency without any fees involved. And even after that threshold is reached, costs are much smaller when compared to traditional banks. Sign up for Revolut for free >> to get 3 months of Premium.

Brussels 2-day travel guide – Safety and travel scams

Since we’re talking about the capital of the EU, Brussels can be considered a pretty safe tourist destination. Although you may frequently hear otherwise, perceptions don’t really match the official data, as the Belgian capital has pretty low crime rates. However, one can’t deny this is a city with big income inequalities and a noticeable homeless population, which may at times make it look a bit more dangerous and/or rundown in certain areas. Still, statistically, this does not translate to a higher incidence of theft or robberies.

However, and much like you would do in any other big city, using your common-sense is key. That means no taxis whose drivers refuse to start the meter, no accepting help from strangers when you’re using an ATM or trying to buy metro tickets and always keeping an eye out for your stuff when you’re walking through busy areas (especially around train stations). To sum up: don’t do anything you wouldn’t feel comfortable doing in any other city!

We also recommend using an anti-theft bag. Unlike regular bags, anti-theft bags are specifically designed to prevent pickpockets and thieves from easily accessing your belongings. PacSafe is one of the leading brands in this category, producing bags that boast lockable zippers, cut-resistant materials and RFID-blocking fabric that helps protect against those trying to steal your credit card information through contactless technology. We currently use the Lunar, Crossbody and Sling models and can personally attest to their high-quality materials – especially the locking zipper technology, which makes it nearly impossible for anyone to open your bag without you noticing.

Where to sleep in Brussels – Hotels and Accommodation

If you’re looking out for a place to stay on our Brussels 2-day travel guide then we got your covered!

Unfortunately, Brussels is far from a what can be considered a budget-friendly destination. Especially when it comes to food and accommodation, it is quite difficult to find options that go easy on the wallet. Plus, the few that still exist require staying quite far away from the city center.

That being said, here are a few hotel options which have passed our value-for-money test:

• Hostel – Generation Europe Youth Hostel
• € – Citybox Brussels
• €€ – easyHotel Brussels City Centre
• €€€ – Radisson RED Brussels
• €€€€ – Sofitel Brussels Europe

Brussels 2-Day Travel Guide – Transportation between the airports and the city centre

From Zaventem Airport to Brussels city center

Located 15 km away, the best way to travel between Zaventem Airport and the city centre is by taking the train. The station is located inside the airport so you just need to follow the signs. Trains run from 05h30 to midnight, with 5 to 8 services per hour. The journey takes about 18 minutes and you can get out at Brussels-Central, Brussels-North or Brussels-Midi. Tickets can be purchased online through the Belgian Railways website or by using any of the automatic machines upon arrival. The fare is currently set at €11,20, which already includes the airport supplement (€6,90).

Alternatively, you can use bus nº 12, aka the Airport Line. This route connects the airport to the Trone metro station, located about 1.5 km from the historic center (you can change for the metro, as the bus ticket is still valid). The bus line operates from 05h00 to 00h10, leaving every 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the time of day. Although traffic can affect the ETA, expect the trip to take somewhere between 30 to 45 minutes. Lastly, price tickets will depend on how you choose to pay. If you use your contactless payment card (just scan it inside the bus and the fare will be deducted from your balance) you’ll pay €7,90, which is exactly the same you’ll pay with a MOBIB, Brussels’ public transportation rechargeable card. However, there’s a €6,00 one-time-fee to get the card. Finally, single paper tickets cost €8,40.

From Charleroi Airport to Brussels city center

On the other hand, if you’re flying in with Ryanair, chances are you’ll end up landing in Charleroi, some 50km away from the nation’s capital. In this case, the best way to get to Brussels city center is to rely on one of the bus transfer companies, with both Flibco and Terravision running the route. Considering both companies schedules, you get at least one departure every 20 minutes between 07h00 and 00h40. The trip takes about 55 minutes and ends in Brussels-Midi. You can get your ticket online (links shared above) or on arrival from one of the companies’ airport stands for €19,95.

As a secondary option, you can use a combination of bus + train to get to Brussels-Central. First, you’ll need to catch a Bus TEC Charleroi, the local service that takes passengers between the airport and Charleroi train station. The price for the bus ticket comes to a total of €6,00, including the mandatory airport supplement. Once you make it to the station, just transfer to a train heading to Brussels for €11,70. The Belgian Railways website sells a combined/integrated ticket that already includes both modes of transportation, though you may also buy them separately upon arrival. Expect to take about 90 minutes to reach the center of Brussels (bus – train + waiting times). While the train operate from 06h00 to 00h40 in 20-minute intervals, the Bus TEC schedule is a bit more restrictive, with buses departing every 30 minutes between 05h30 and 22h30.

Brussels 2-Day Travel Guide – How to get around the city

Honestly, except for the trip between the airports and the city center (explained above) and to visit the famous Atomium, you’ll hardly have to use the public transportation system to get around Brussels. The city center is moderately compact, and while there’s a lot to see and do, it’s perfectly possible to complete most journeys on foot. Nonetheless, and especially if you’ve booked a hotel outside the city center, rest assured the Belgian capital is equipped with a very decent and diverse public transportation network, composed of the metro, trams and buses.

That being said, and if you really need to rely on public transportation, you’ll most likely end up using the metro, so it’s worth having a little overview of how to navigate it.

Brussels Metro – Maps, Tickets and Fares

Made up of almost 60 stations spread across 6 different lines, the metro system in Brussels – along with the tram – is essential to the city’s urban mobility. While the metro doesn’t quite reach all of the city’s districts in the outskirts, at least the city center is vastly covered by this mode of transportation, making it easier for visitors and locals alike to travel across tourist attractions and business/institutional districts. Plus, the system is integrated into Google Maps, meaning the platform will provide you with real-time information on which line to take and where to catch it to reach your destination.

As for running times, the metro operates every day between 05h30 and midnight, with waiting times ranging from 5 to 10 minutes during rush hour (up to 20 minutes during slower times).

Moving on to tickets, fares are the same across the entire STIB-MIVB network. However, these can vary according to how you choose to pay. Firstly, you may simply scan your contactless bank card and use it as a ticket, with the fare automatically deducted from your balance at the end of the trip. In this case, the fare for any one-way trip will be €2,30. Alternatively, you can purchase Brussels’ public transportation rechargeable card (MOBIB) for €6,00 and top it up with any balance you see fit. For this method, a single journey will also cost €2,30. Finally, paper tickets can also be purchased from any of the automatic machines, though the fare will go up to €2,80. For more frequent riders, they may also have a look at the network’s special 10-ticket carnet, available for €18,90.

Finally, if you plan on using public transportation frequently, there’s also a 1-day pass that gives you unlimited access to public transportation in Brussels for €8,90. Unfortunately, there are no offers for multi-day tickets.

Brussels 2-day Travel Guide – Free walking tours

While in Brussels, you have the option to explore the city with a free walking tour. These tours, led by local guides or tour companies, offer guided visits to the historic center, sharing intriguing stories about each place and providing valuable cultural context. Even though these tours are technically free, it’s customary to show appreciation for the guide’s efforts by leaving a tip at the end. In Brussels, a reasonable minimum tip would be around €8,00.

That being said, here are a few companies that run free walking tours in Brussels:

• Legends Tour
• Belgo Tours
• Viva’s Tour

Brussels 2-day Travel Guide – Hidden Treasures

Although there’s not a lot of time to steer away from the tourist path, you can still get a good sense of Brussels and visit its most popular landmarks in 2 days. Still, if you’re willing to make a few adjustments and the occasional detour, it’s perfectly possible to at least check out a handful of places that might otherwise fly under the radar.

That being said, and because we believe a good traveler must always be able to explore beyond the obvious, we wanted to add a few more obscure places to your list of things to see and do in Brussels in 2 days:

La Bellone: Hidden at the back of a hidden commercial arcade, this former Baroque mansion has been transformed into a cultural association and performance venue. The terrace in front of its grandiose façade serves as an open-air stage for concerts, plays and other performances. Like an improvised theater!

Basilica of Koekelberg: While Brussels is home to many churches worth visiting, none are quite as impressive as the Basilica of Koekelberg. After all, and despite being located outside the city center, it’s not every day that you get to visit the 5^th largest church in the world!

Palace of Justice: Built at an enormous public expense and at the cost of demolishing an entire working-class neighborhood, this monumental building – officially the largest courthouse in the world – remains a controversial landmark in Belgian society. However, one can’t deny its sheer grandeur and architectural detail.

Flea Market at Place du Jeu de Balle: Arguably the most popular flea market in the city, this charming daily bazaar can be found right at the heart of the district of Marolles, offering a healthy mix of trinkets and antiques. If you have a keen eye, you might even stumble upon something valuable!

Royal Greenhouses of Laeken: Open to the public for only three weeks each year (from mid-April to early May), these greenhouses are part of the Royal Castle of Laeken, the unofficial residence of the Belgian royal family. Made up of 30 different pavilions, this stunning botanical wonder is a must-visit if you’re lucky enough for your trip to fall within its highly limited opening period.

Brussels 2-Day Travel Guide – What to See and Do in 48 Hours

As mentioned above, 2 days is just the perfect amount of time to experience the very best Brussels has to offer if you keep up the pace! That said, and with a full 48 hours in the city, you can check out one of the most beautiful town squares in the world, explore the European District and its famous institutions, snap the classic photo of Manneken Pis, visit one or two museums at Mont des Arts, get to the top of the iconic Atomium and be in awe at the sight of the 5^th biggest church in the world. It may seem like a lot to see in such a short period of time – but it’s perfectly doable.

Without further ado, here’s what to see and do in Brussels in 2 days:

Brussels 2-Day Travel Guide: Day 1 – Pentagone, the City Center

If you’re ready to enjoy a unique weekend in Brussels, your first day in the city will inevitably be dedicated to its historic center, where you’ll find the most important local landmarks, old quarters and impressive buildings. If you look at a map, you’ll notice that the roads surrounding the city center, precisely where the medieval walls once stood, form a geometrical figure with 5 sides, earning the district its affectionate nickname of Le Pentagone. That said, your first stop will take place at the Royal Palace of Brussels, the official residence of the Belgian Royal Family. While the title is mostly symbolic – the monarchs actually live further north in Laeken – the palace stands as one of the most beautiful buildings in the city. It is open to the public for free visits during July and August every year. Right next to the palace, you can also explore Coudenberg Palace (€10,00), an underground archaeological site discovered in the 1980s, showcasing the ruins of a nearly 1000-year-old palace. Just a few steps away, don’t miss Notre Dame du Sablon and the Church of Saint-Jacques-sur-Coudenberg, the latter marking the start of the grand staircase that connects the Royal Quarter to the old city center along a hill called Mont des Arts. Originally designed as the city’s arts district – hence its name – the Mont des Arts is now a vibrant urban complex featuring several museums and a beautifully designed garden with one of the most iconic views of Brussels.

From there, the grand imperial avenues give way to narrow pedestrian streets lined with charming Flemish-style buildings, creating a more picturesque atmosphere. In fact, this is where you’ll find some of Brussels’ most famous landmarks, starting with the legendary Manneken Pis, a tiny statue of a boy peeing that has become a beloved symbol of Belgian sarcastic humor and nonconformity. Since the late 17^th century, it has been a tradition to dress the statue in various outfits depending on the season, world events or special celebrations. Unfortunately, due to its immense popularity, most visitors go there with unreasonable expectations, which is why this site is often listed as one of the most underwhelming tourist attractions in all of Europe. On the other hand, the famous Grand-Place (or Grote Markt, in Dutch) fully lives up to its reputation, standing as one of the most beautiful squares in the world. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the square is surrounded by richly decorated guildhalls, the monumental Town Hall and the neo-Gothic King’s House. Without a shadow of a doubt, this is THE place to visit when in Brussels! Additionally, the square is also known for hosting the Flower Carpet every two years in August (during even years). This the event when thousands of colorful begonias are arranged into an intricate floral carpet, helping the Grand Place look even more magical.

As you wander through the city, it’s impossible not to notice the many large murals featuring famous comic book characters. It makes perfect sense, as some of history’s most celebrated comics actually hail from Belgium! Long before superheroes, green monsters and Japanese anime took over, Belgium was the homeland of iconic comics like Tintin, Lucky Luke, Marsupilami and The Smurfs, so this art form has always been a centerpiece in the country’s artistic and cultural identity. To celebrate this legacy, local artists created the Comic Strip Route, a walking tour through Brussels featuring over 50 of those large murals. While you won’t have time to see them all, be sure to snap some photos of the most famous ones! Next up, head to the Galeries Royales Saint Hubert, a stunning trio of 19^th-century glass-covered arcades that take you back to the golden age of the Belgian capital (interestingly, it was in one of their cinemas that the Lumière Brothers premiered their first-ever film in 1896), before checking out the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula, the most important place of worship in Brussels. To cap off your inaugural day in the city, get to know one of the city’s hidden gems with a visit to La Bellone. Hidden at the back of a hidden commercial arcade, this former Baroque mansion has been transformed into a cultural association and performance venue. The terrace in front of its grandiose façade serves as an open-air stage for concerts, plays and other performances. Like an improvised theater!

First day wrap-up:

• Royal Palace of Brussels
• Coudenberg Palace
• Notre Dame du Sablon
• Church of Saint-Jacques-sur-Coudenberg
• Mont des Arts
• Manneken Pis
• Grand-Place
• Comic Strip Route (Murals)
• Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert
• Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula
• La Bellone

Where to eat in Brussels – Best restaurants in the Pentagone

• In ‘t Spinnekopke (Belgian traditional)
• Poechenellekelder (beer hall)
• Wantany (Chinese)
• Thai Talks (Thai)
• Pois Chiche (Middle Eastern)
• Arepa’s Factory (Venezuelan)
• Meyboom (pasta)
• Nona Pizza (pizza)
• Yummy Bowl (vegetarian and vegan)
• Frituur Tabora (fries)
• Patatak (fries)
• Fritland (fries)
• Belgian Waffles (waffles)
• Maison Dandoy – Grand Place (waffles)

Brussels 2-Day Travel Guide: Day 2 – European District, Koekelberg and the Atomium

Now that you’ve already visited the historic center and the city’s main tourist attractions, your last day in the city will be spent exploring the outskirts, as well as a fascinating selection of hidden gems. However, you’ll start off by dedicating a few hours of your morning to the European District, an unofficial quarter in Ixelles that houses the headquarters of the most important institutions in the EU. While you’re there, consider visiting the Parlamentarium, an interactive museum where you can learn more about the history, functions and future of the European Union, as well as the main challenges it faces in influencing the governance of millions of Europeans. If you happen to visit during a plenary session, you might even get the chance to witness it! Although admission is free, visitors are advised to book a specific date and time for their visit directly on the institution’s website. Near the district, you can take a break from all the formalities at Parc du Cinquantenaire, one of the best green spaces in the city. Although the park hosts several paid cultural institutions, such as the Military Museum or Autoworld, it is also possible to visit and appreciate other free attractions, such as the Arc de Triomphe, the Temple of Human Passions or even the Great Mosque of Brussels.

Temporarily returning to the Pentagone (the historic center), you’ll visit two of the best off-the-beaten-path places in Brussels, starting with the Palace of Justice. Built at an enormous public expense and at the cost of demolishing an entire working-class neighborhood, this monumental building – officially the largest courthouse in the world – remains a controversial landmark in Belgian society. Not far from there, in the heart of the Marolles district, we also recommend a visit to the Flea Market at Place du Jeu de Balle – arguably the most popular flea market in the city. Afterwards, you’ll hop on line 6 (blue) at Louise metro station and get off at Simonis, near the Basilica of Koekelberg. While Brussels is home to many churches worth visiting, it’s not every day that you get to visit the 5^th largest in the world! Back on the same metro line (6 – blue), this time you’ll get off at Heysel, the closest stop to the world-famous Atomium (€16,00), another of Belgium’s most recognizable landmarks. Built in the shape of an iron atom magnified 165 million times, this structure purposely erected for Expo 1958 is now a gigantic technological/scientific museum, crowned with a breathtaking panoramic view from atop. Also in this suburb of Brussels, you can wrap up your adventure by visiting the Royal Greenhouses of Laeken (€6,00). Open to the public for only three weeks each year (from mid-April to early May), this stunning botanical wonder is made up of 30 different pavilions, and stands as a definite must-visit if you’re lucky enough for your trip to fall within its highly limited opening period.

Second day wrap-up:

• Parlamentarium
• Parc du Cinquantenaire
• Palace of Justice
• Flea Market at Place du Jeu de Balle
• Basilica of Koekelberg
• Atomium
• Royal Greenhouses in Laeken

Where to eat in Brussels – Best restaurants in the European District

• Brasserie Signature (Belgian traditional)
• Stick that Meat (Greek)
• Al Volo (Italian)
• My Tannour – Ixelles (Syrian)
• El Pulgarcito Restaurant (Salvadoran)
• Donki (Mexican)
• Maneki-Neko (Japanese)
• Knees to chin – Rue Francart (Asian)
• Kitchen 151 (Middle Eastern)
• KazaKozi (North African)
• Maison Antoine (fries)

Got more than 3 days in Flanders? Then you might want to check out other destinations worth visiting in the region

Bruges: By far the most famous and popular of the Flemish cities, it makes perfect sense to recommend a visit to Bruges, also known as the “Venice of the North”. Thanks to its classical architecture and medieval canals that run through its fantastic Old Town, it stands as the undisputed best tourist destination in all of Belgium.

Ghent: Perhaps the only city in the country able to stand hand in hand with Bruges when it comes to aesthetic beauty and tourist appeal! Unsurprisingly, as the historic center is a stunning maze of typical Flemish façades, picturesque bridges and extraordinary canals. Although it makes for an extremely long day, you may even combine both cities into a single day trip if you leave early.

Antwerp: Considered Belgium’s second-largest and most important city, Antwerp may not be as pretty as its other two Flemish “sisters” (although the city center is admittedly quite beautiful), but it more than makes up for it with the most urban atmosphere and the best collection of museums in the entire region.

Leuven: Probably the most popular Flemish destination outside of the aforementioned fantastic trio, Leuven offers more of the classic architecture the region is so famed for, albeit with less crowds and a more youthful and festive vibe, considering the city is home to the oldest university in Belgium!

Mechelen: Located halfway between Antwerp and Brussels, Mechelen makes up in charm what it clearly lacks in size. With its expansive open square dominated by a monumental tower and a traditional riverbank area, it gives off serious small Dutch city-vibes, resembling the likes Leiden or Delft.

Dinant: The only day trip of our list located in Wallonia (the French-speaking region of Belgium), all it takes is a look at a few photos of this place on Google and you’ll instantly understand why we couldn’t leave it out. Arguably the best destination in the francophone side of the country.