What To Do in Brussels: Three-Day Brussels Itinerary
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Discover the Beauty of Brussels and the surrounding area with our Three Days in Brussels.
Brussels in Three Days Itinerary and Info: (Jump To)
Getting to Brussels
Travel to Brussels By Train
We boarded an early train from Amsterdam which had us at the central station of Brussels in just over two hours.
If you're planning a trip to Brussels, traveling by rail is an excellent way to reach the city, particularly from Amsterdam (like we did) or from nearby Paris.
Amsterdam to Brussels by Train
Traveling from Amsterdam to Brussels by train is not only convenient but also incredibly scenic. Boarding an intercity direct train at Amsterdam Centraal, you'll be treated to views of the Dutch countryside as you make your way south. The journey takes around two hours, offering a comfortable and relaxing ride.
Paris to Brussels by Train
The high-speed Thalys train connects Paris and Brussels in just under two hours. Departing from Paris Gare du Nord, the journey whisks you through picturesque French landscapes before arriving at Brussels Midi Station. With frequent departures throughout the day, this route is an ideal choice for those looking to explore both cities in a short period.
Where To Fly Into When Visiting Brussels
Brussels Airport
Located in Zaventem, Brussels Airport is the primary international airport serving the city. It connects Brussels to destinations worldwide and offers a wide range of flights from different continents. As the largest airport in Belgium, it welcomes numerous airlines, ensuring a variety of options for travelers. It is also relatively close to the city center, just 12 kilometers away, making it an excellent choice for visitors who want a quick and hassle-free journey to Brussels.
Brussels South Charleroi Airport
Situated in Charleroi, about 46 kilometers from Brussels city center, Brussels South Charleroi Airport is a popular choice for budget airlines and travelers seeking inexpensive flights to the region. It primarily serves as a hub for low-cost carriers and offers flights to numerous European destinations. While it is further from Brussels than the main airport, it is still well-connected via efficient transportation options such as buses and trains.
We always try to book accommodations as close to the train station as possible. For our time in Belgium, we would be staying at the Hilton Hotel located directly across from the station. It could not have been a better or easier location for our explorations.
Brussels Itinerary
Day 1: Stop 1 - Mini Europe
We decided to start our time in Belgium with a little bit of foolishness. That foolishness was in the form of tiny replicas of European landmarks at the amazing Mini-Europe. The attraction is an expansive outdoor train set with interactive sounds and movements.
As you meander around the path you are transported from country to country. You get to lean over the railing and look at the tiny cities like a giant deity. A row of buttons greet you at each station where you can surprise yourself with the power to move men, change lights, and play songs. For today, you are a god.
If not for the intricacy of the scale model designs and the attention to detail, this place would be the worst of tourist traps. There is, however, a beauty to the tiny lands that will sweep you up and keep you wondering what might be around the next corner.
Day 1: Stop 2 - Atomium
Nearby is one of the most famous buildings in all of Belgium, the Atomium. Having a similar backstory as the Eiffel Tower, the building was constructed for the 1958 World’s Fair. The shiny, mid-century tower is meant to represent an iron crystal magnified by a microscope.
You enter the giant atom via an elevator. Inside is a history museum telling the back story of the building and its importance at the time. It’s a bit of a snooze. But then; then you get onto an escalator where you are taken into a dark abyss that slowly turns into a walk-through laser light show spread over multiple levels of the tower. So much fun.
Returning to the base of the tower, we took the necessary selfies before grabbing an overpriced and mediocre sandwich at the refreshment stand.
Day 1: Stop 3 -Design Museum Brussels
We purchased a combo ticket for Mini-Europe and Atomium. Included in the ticket was admission to the nearby Design Museum Brussels. We blazed through the museum in about 20 minutes. There are some really cool-looking chairs in there, but like, it’s a museum filled with (mostly) chairs.
Day 1: Stop 4 - Dinner
We returned to the heart of town, freshened up back at the hotel, then found a tapas restaurant for dinner called Tapas Locas. They recommended three portions per person, each plate was €4.30. The service was fast and friendly, and the food was super tasty.
Day 1: Stop 5 - After Dinner Drinks
After dinner, we made it an early night with a few drinks on Rue du Marché au Charbon and rue des Pierres ending the night at an outside table in front of Le Belgica.
Day 2: Stop 1 - Grand Place and Town Hall
The next morning we took ourselves on a self-guided walking tour of all the sights of Brussels. We started at the famous Grand Place, the main square of the town. The heart of the square is the Gothic masterpiece Brussels Town Hall. Built during the 15th century the building is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 2: Stop 2 - Chocolate
We made sure to sample as much of the famous Belgian chocolate as possible as we passed by the shops. It’s perplexing that there are so many chocolate shops. People here must eat so much chocolate. I don’t know how else all these shops can keep the lights on. Not shockingly the chocolate was AMAZING.
Day 2: Stop 3 - Frites with Mayo
We, of course, made sure to sample their famous french fries with the exotic dipping sauce, mayonnaise. This was not new to me. Dipping fries in mayo took my high school by storm after a Dutch foreign exchange student blew our teenage minds in the late 1990s.
Day 2: Stop 4 - Manneken Pis
We continued to slowly make our way to one of Brussels’ most famous juvenile delinquents, Manneken Pis. In either 1618 or 1619, someone put out a statue of a boy taking a pee. Water flows from his boy parts into a pool below. Somehow, over the last 400 years, no one had the good sense to class the place up and move him to someone’s backyard.
The statue is so popular that it is a must-see, just for being a must-see. There’s almost always a crowd gathered around taking photos and enjoying the moment. For reference, there is a public bathroom in the waffle shop on the corner.
Day 2: Stop 5 - Marolles Flea Market
From there we continued our walk to the Marolles Flea Market. It’s an open-air market in a town square that operates daily from 6 am - 2 pm. The market is a fun combination of strange treasures, used junk, and electronics from the 1990s. It is a treasure hunt for the patient shopper. The shops around the square are filled with interesting antiques and amazing furniture that is, sadly, way too large to get on the plane home.
Day 2: Stop 6 - The View
A steep climb ending in an elevator ride lands you at the base of The View Ferris wheel. The skyline of Brussels from atop the hill is quite impressive and beautiful, we decided to save a few euros and pass on the enticing Ferris wheel ride while enjoying the free view before us.
Day 2: Stop 7 - Royal Palace of Brussels
A hilltop walk with enjoyable views takes you past the Church of Our Lady of Victories at the Sablon, a gothic cathedral, and the Square of Petit Sablon, a tiny park with beautiful fountains and statues. Shortly thereafter you’ll reach the Royal Palace of Brussels, home of the king.
Public tours were unavailable, but the building was impressive from the outside. Across from the palace is Parc de Bruxelles (locally just Royal Park), a large green space. Crossing the park will land you at the Palace of the Nation, home of the Belgian parliament.
Day 2: Stop 8 - Dinner and Drinks
For dinner, we found ourselves at sub-par Italian restaurant that has already gone out of business, before ending the evening with drinks again at La Belgica.
Day 3: Day Trip - Ghent And Bruges By Train
We spent our third and final day on an amazing day trip to Ghent and Bruges via train.
(Click to read all about it: Ghent and Bruges Day Trip).
Three-Day Brussels Itinerary
Day 1: Atomium, Mini-Europe, and Design Museum Brussels.
Day 2: Self-Guided walking tour including Grand Place, Brussels Town Hall, Manneken Pis, Marolles Flea Market, Royal Palace of Brussels, and Palace of the Nation.
Day 3: Day trip to Ghent and Bruges via train
