The Perfect One Day in Brussels Itinerary for First Timers

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In 2023 alone, over 9.4 million people stayed at least one night in Brussels and having been all over this stunning Flemish country myself, I can understand why! I mean, chocolate, waffles, and beer compliment a day out in the Grand Place perfectly, so even spending just one day in Brussels is worth it.

In this post, you’ll find everything you need to know about spending a full day in Brussels including the best time to visit, practical tips for visiting, a step-by-step itinerary, the best foods to try, and everything you should try to see if you can.

I’ve also included my very own Brussels budget calculator to help guide how much you’ll need to set aside for your trip, a complete walking map of the city, and a free PDF downloadable itinerary for you to keep!



Promenade in Brussels filled with people and backed by a large church

The itinerary below has been designed to be followed chronologically, but there is no stopping you from having a Belgian waffle at dinner… use it either as a step-by-step itinerary or as a general guide of the best things to do in Brussels!

Breakfast

Group of waffles with different toppings on white trays

There truly is no better way to start your day in Brussels than with an authentic, hot Belgian waffle. My go-to has always been Nutella, strawberries, and bananas, but if you’re on a bit of a time crunch, just the classic plain waffle is perfect for when you’re eating on the go.

Locals have said that the unassuming food cart called Vitalgaufre has the best waffles in Brussels! They’re located on Rue Neuve 23/29 and almost always have a long line. But, don’t let that make you second guess your decision to go there.

The waffles are wonderfully chewy in the center and deliciously caramelized on the outside for the perfect, traditional Belgian waffle!

Brussels Royal Museums of Fine Arts

Inside of a large museum with marble flooring and gold detail in Brussels

While most people will tell you to start your day in Grand Place, I highly suggest starting your day at any museums you want to visit – this includes the Royal Museums of Fine Arts.

The lines for museums begin early in the day, so to waste the least amount of time standing in line, buy your tickets online and get there early.

This group of six museums holds tens of thousands of sculptures, pieces of artwork including paintings and drawings, as well as innumerable exhibits dating back to the early 15th century.

If you have an art or history enthusiast in your group, be sure to check out at least one of these museums during your time in Brussels.

Grote Markt (Grand Place)

Grand Place in Brussels, Belgium with a lot of people walking around

Grote Markt is easily the biggest must see in Brussels, Belgium. Also known as Grand Place, the city center is made up of grand cathedrals and medieval architecture as far as the eye can see!

You’ll find everything from streetside cafes (though I always recommend looking for food outside of the city center) to cozy bookshops and plenty of chocolate stores to indulge in.

Grote Markt is not only a great place to spend a few hours taking in the scenery and sheer beauty of Belgium’s capital, but it’s also the perfect starting point for getting to the Atomium and the Royal Palace on public transportation.

Manneken Pis

Manneken Pis statue in Brussels

The Manneken Pis is a statue of exactly what it sounds like… a little boy peeing into a fountain. It has actually been called one of the worst tourist traps in Europe, but since you will probably walk right by it, you might as well grab a picture since it’s free to see.

It’s an icon of Brussels but I promise that it will likely leave you with more laughs than anything else.

Don’t make a point to include it on your one day in Brussels itinerary, but if you happen to spot it when leaving Grote Markt, you could spend a minute or two then move on.

Shopping in Les Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert

Indoor shopping mall at the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert in Brussels

This indoor shopping center in Brussels is the epitome of luxury and sophistication in Belgium. From luxury jewelry stores to famous chocolateries, there is nothing that you can’t find in the Les Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert!

If you’re a true shopaholic, wander the arcade’s halls and window-shop for at least an hour (though you will likely want to stay longer).

Owing to its convenient location just a one-minute walk from Grote Markt and endless storefronts, there is no better place to go shopping in Brussels.

Belgian Chocolate

Belgian chocolate in a storefront window in an indoor mall in Brussels

You simply can’t visit the capital of Belgium and not sample at least some chocolate while you’re there. Even if you normally don’t like chocolate, Belgian chocolate may just change your life!

World-famous for its hand-crafted delicacies, Belgium is particularly known for its pralines. Not to be confused with the French definition, Belgian pralines are small chocolates typically filled with toffee, mouse, marshmallow, caramel, or another type of filling.

Of course, you’ll also find your traditional milk, semi-sweet, dark, and white chocolates, as well. Belgian chocolates will often have a higher percentage of cocoa, making them rich and dark by nature.

Personally, my favorite chocolate shop in Brussels is Elisabeth Chocolatier Manneken Pis!

Chocolate Tour

Hand holding a small square of Belgian chocolate

Chocolate is my favorite food in all categories – if you’re the same way, check out one of Brussels’ incredible chocolate tours! It’s a great way to connect with the locals, meet fellow travelers, and sample plenty of Belgian chocolate!

Royal Palace of Brussels

The Royal Palace of Brussels on a sunny day surrounded by lush green gardens

Even though the king and queen of Belgium no longer reside in this Royal Palace of Brussels, it is an impressive palace to visit nevertheless.

The gardens alone are worth a stroll and the palace is free to visit and open to the public typically from late July to the beginning of September.

This building has centuries of history worth analyzing if you or someone you’re with is a real history buff!

↪️ Pro Tip: Just keep in mind that it’s about 7/10 of a mile walk from Grote Markt to the Palace, so if you or someone you’re traveling with has limited mobility then you may want to consider renting bikes or taking the green line #71 from Arenberg to Koning which will put you less than a quarter mile from the Palace.

Atomium

Atomium statue in Brussels

The Atomium is a little ways out of the city center, but it can be easily reached by public transportation and is well worth the trip if you have some extra time.

“The Atomium is magnified 165 billion times the normal size of an iron crystal” (Source) and is quite spectacular to see for people of all ages. As someone who enjoys and has studied science for years, this is a remarkable attraction to check out!

You can actually climb to the top of this 335-foot structure and get sensational views of Brussels and the surrounding region. Whether you’re traveling alone, with a loved one, or with your family, this is a wonderful attraction to include on your one day Brussels itinerary!

Brewery Hopping

Flight of beer and a bowl of mixed nuts on a pub table in Brussels

The perfect way to round out your quick trip to Brussels is to do a little beer tasting. Belgian beer is known for its unique use of yeast that makes crisp, refreshing brews that are different from many beers on the market today.

Whether you want to join a Brussels beer and food tour or you want to make your own brewery hopping itinerary, you should try to sample at least two different kinds of beer during your time in the Belgian capital.

Personally, I prefer wine and spirits over beer, but I really enjoyed the beer in Belgium! It had a far lighter taste to it than what I was used to and I would happily join a beer tour the next time I visit.

If you’re wondering what to do in Brussels in 24 hours, a beer tour is a popular option.

One Day in Brussels Itinerary Map

This one day itinerary for Brussels includes all of the major sights and attractions within walking distance of Grote Markt. However, it does not include the Basilique Nationale du Sacré Coeur or the Atomium.

If you wish to visit either of these attractions, I suggest using public transportation to get there.

Enormous garden and cityscape in Brussels, Belgium

If you happen to be spending at least 2 days in Brussels, you’ll have the opportunity to include several more sights and activities or even take a day trip to Luxembourg from Brussels!

Brussels is an epicenter for exciting things to do and see in Europe, so you won’t be far from dozens of interesting things to do.

To start, you could opt to see Mini-Europe which is located near the Atomium. This unique display highlights numerous iconic landmarks found across Europe on a 1:25 scale and is popular among couples and families.

There are also dozens of art galleries, eclectic exhibits, and historical museums located throughout the city. Personally, we found the Choco-Story Museum the most fascinating thanks to our love for chocolate.

If you prefer to spend less time in museums and more time sightseeing, be sure to join a couple of free walking tours or guided walking tours! You can find ones unique to the city’s vibrant culture and history, food and beer tours, chocolate tasting tours, pub crawls, and more.

Just take a peek at some of the Viator tours I linked to, or browse around for a tour that speaks to you and your group’s preferences. You can also opt for private, fully customizable tours if you’re traveling with a large group so you can travel the city with a local!

Other popular ideas include visiting the Laeken Palace, the National Basilica of the Sacred Heart, the Marolles Flea Market, Leopoldspark, and Halle Gate.

If you have more than a day in Brussels, you can choose to fill your time with more exciting activities and things to do, or you can sit back and relax and do some people-watching from one of the dozens of cafes surrounding the city streets.

↪️ Pro Tip: Brussels is quite a small city in comparison to other European cities, so you likely won’t need more than 2 or 3 days (maximum) here.

If you’ll be spending at least 3 days in Belgium, then just a night in Brussels will be sufficient for most.

Underground train and metro station in Belgium

Depending on where you’re coming from, getting to Brussels for a day is very simple.

Belgium has an excellent public transportation system, so you’ll be able to reach the capital via bus, train, metro, tram, and even waterbus on the Senne canal if you’re coming from within the country.

If you’re coming from outside of Belgium, you have a few options. The Eurail is my personal favorite way of getting between major cities in Europe because it offers gorgeous scenery and the chance to sit back and relax comfortably.

However, if you’re over a few countries away (Eastern Europe, for example) then flying will likely be your best option. It will almost always be faster and more affordable since many flights are direct when coming from within the European Union.

There are also ferries available from the United Kingdom. Though no routes are permanent, so sometimes your best option will be to take a ferry to either France or Holland then finish the journey via train.

Of course, you can always rent a car if you want to be 100% in control over your own schedule and enjoy stopping for photos frequently throughout your journeys.

Close up of the architecture in Brussels' Grand Place

Brussels is one of the most walkable cities in the world, so it’s easy to spot that walking will be the primary method of getting around.

But, if you’re interested in getting around like the locals do, consider renting a bike! It’s a fun, efficient, and affordable way of seeing the city if you’re short on time or aren’t as interested in doing a lot of walking.

Because there will be lots of walking in Brussels. If bike rentals sound fun to you, check out Pro Velo Bruxelles on Rue de Londres! They offer bikes for children and adults, hourly rentals, full-day rentals, and more. You also have the option of renting an electric scooter if that interests you.

Brussels is also well equipped with its public transportation system. You have the option of taking the metro nearly anywhere in the city! This is going to be the most affordable option for getting around Brussels (other than walking, of course) and is highly suggested.

In my opinion, do a combination of walking and taking the metro to get yourself from A to B. The downfall of the metro is that it doesn’t allow you to see all of the beautiful sights in between destinations like walking does.

But, we all know that walking can get old after miles on end of exploring. So, use the metro to get between longer distances, but be sure to walk around a good portion of the city so you get the experience.

Lastly, avoid renting a car at all costs. Brussels is extremely walkable and therefore has very heavy pedestrian traffic. It’s also a large city, so car traffic is heavy too.

Do your best to stick to walking and public transportation to ensure a smooth journey throughout your day in Brussels!

City Hall and lineup of vibrant buildings in Brussels' Grand Place

Since you may only be visiting Brussels for 1 day, it’s important to stay close to all of the action where you’ll be within walking distance of most attractions. The two best areas for this include the Grote Markt and the Old Town.

Grote Markt is likely going to have the most expensive options, so if you’re trying to stick to a budget, look for hotels in the Old Town. You’ll still be near the city center where the Saint-Michel Cathedral and Manneken Pis are, as well as plenty of restaurants, cafes, bars, and shopping areas.

The Old Town is separated into two districts: the Upper and Lower Towns. Both will provide excellent options for nightlife, a range of accommodations, and close proximity to the metro.

↪️Budget Option: Pillows City Hotel Brussels Centre

↪️Mid-Range Option: Hotel Agora Brussels Grand Place

↪️Luxury Option: Juliana Hotel Brussels

Enormous flower carpet covering Brussels' Grand Place

Brussels is a beautiful city to visit year-round with its beautiful summer weather and incredible Christmas markets in December. But, I have a few tips on when I think the best time to visit Brussels is…

Personally, I love visiting Belgium in the shoulder seasons! The shoulder season months include March through May and mid-September through November.

“But, won’t the weather be the best in the summer?” – the answer to this question is undoubtedly yes, but let me explain.

Rain and poor weather are likely year-round in Belgium, so you aren’t guaranteeing yourself beautiful, sunny weather just because you visit in July.

In fact, visiting Brussels in the summer months has far more cons than pros in comparison to the shoulder seasons!

In the shoulder, or off-season, months, you’ll still experience comfortable temperatures, but you’ll also get significantly reduced rates on flights, train travel, accommodations, tours, and even food rates!

You’ll also get to experience the city with tens of thousands fewer tourists, so you may actually be able to get a few pictures without people in them.

So, yes, the summer is beautiful in Brussels, but it is far more expensive and filled with tourists during this time.

Whether you’re traveling on a budget or simply don’t like walking elbow to elbow thing strangers everywhere you go, the shoulder seasons are the best time to visit Brussels!

Small, vibrant square with colorful buildings and flags and a lot of people walking around in Brussels

Even if you have been to Belgium before, there are a few tips regarding Brussels that may just help you have a smoother trip.

  1. First, as you probably know, Belgium uses the euro. You will rarely need to use cash in Brussels, but if you are more comfortable having some on you, then just pick up 50 euros or so after you land. Preferably, take it all out at once so you aren’t paying ATM fees on more than one occasion.

  2. Like I said before, rain is a possibility any time of year in Belgium so come prepared with a rain jacket. It’s normal for temperatures to dip relatively low at night even in the summers, as well, so be sure to pack some warm layers no matter when you’re visiting!

  3. Stay somewhere central. I can’t exaggerate this one enough! If you only have one day in Brussels, you don’t want to waste your time getting in and out of the city center just to start exploring. Also, while most of Brussels is very safe, some of the outer neighborhoods aren’t as friendly to tourists.

  4. Don’t get caught up in all of the attractions. Brussels is a beautiful city on its own and many of the attractions are, well, subpar. For example, I included the Manneken Pis on this itinerary, but only because you’re going to end up walking right by it.

    Don’t spend too much time running between “attractions”. Instead, make your way at a leisurely pace around the city, enjoy the food and beer, and make your way into a museum or two.

    This will set you up for a wonderful experience versus running around to see specific buildings, palaces, statues, and other unnecessary guidebook attractions.

  5. However, if you truly enjoy following a playbook-style itinerary, then consider purchasing a Brussels Card. It gives you free entry to 49 different museums in Brussels, a full city map, and discounts on tours, restaurants, and other Brussels attractions.

  6. Take a walk or bike ride through Brussels’ lesser-known trendy neighborhoods like Sablon, St. Gilles, and Les Marolles. This is where you’ll find the true, authentic Belgian waffles, local pubs with friendly locals, and it will give you a step back from all of the touristy shops.

  7. Always try to avoid eating in the centers of most European cities. The majority of the time you’ll only find overpriced food that is often not up to the standards you were hoping for.

    By getting out of the main tourist spots, you’ll be more likely to stumble upon the local hotspots serving up authentic meals at local prices!
Bowl of mussels and broth

Belgium is known for its amazing food across Europe! I mean, whoever thought of dipping French fries in mussels and wine is a culinary genius.

Seriously, Belgian cuisine goes far past just incredible pralines, beer, and waffles… they’re also well versed in preparing flavorful dishes made up of local meats and vegetables, crispy French fries, and the ultimate savory meatballs.

If you’re heading to Brussels, be sure to try these local favorites:

✔️ Moules Frites: a dish consisting of tender mussels that have been cooked in a rich, savory broth that is served with Belgian fries for dipping (I seriously can’t wait to return to Belgium for another plate of this!)

✔️ Boulets à la Liégeoise: the traditional Belgian meatball. Also known as Le Boulet, this hearty dish is always served in a rich meat gravy.

✔️ Belgian Fries: You’re going to see many people walking around with a cone of fries in their hands and you should definitely join them. Belgian fries are light, crispy, and soft in the center. They are often topped with an aioli of sorts or a combination of toppings such as ketchup, gravy, or onions.

✔️ Belgian Waterzooi: A classic Flemish stew usually consisting of meat (chicken or fish), vegetables, and a creamy, savory broth. It makes for a wonderful lunch or dinner, especially on cool nights in Brussels!

Outside of these popular dishes, Belgium is of course known for its beer, waffles, and chocolate, so be sure to sample at least a couple varieties of these, as well.

If you’re a true foodie like I am, consider taking a food tour in Brussels! They’ll bring you to the best local spots in town without having to wait long for your food and you’ll have an opportunity to taste a larger variety of food and beverages without having to pay for full-size portions.

Here are a few of the top picks:

➡ Hungry Mary’s Famous Beer and Chocolate Tour in Brussels
➡ Brussels: Historical Walking Tour with Chocolate & Waffle Tasting
➡ Brussels Chocolate Beer Waffle and Belgian Whiskey All-in-One (Small Group) Tour

Unique lineup of vibrant buildings on a hillside in Brussels

With all of Brussels’ outstanding architecture, extravagant art galleries, and luxurious chocolates, a day trip comes at a price.

Brussels may not be as expensive as Paris or London, but that doesn’t make it necessarily cheap either. Below I’ve provided you with a breakdown of the average cost of accommodations, meals, transportation, and attractions to help you decide if spending 1 day in Brussels is right for you.

I’ve also included my very own Brussels budget calculator to help you figure how much money you should set aside for 24 hours in Brussels! You may need to add a little extra for souvenirs or any public transportation you choose to use.

Even though some of these prices are higher than other European destinations, keep in mind that anyone can visit Brussels for a day on any type of budget… you just need to be willing to keep your eye out for a good deal!

Accommodations

Budget Hostel: €40-60/night for a single traveler
Mid-Range Hotel
: €85-160/night for double occupancy
Luxury Hotel
: €160-215+/night for double occupancy

Meals

Waffle with Chocolate and Strawberries: €4-6
Bowl of Waterzooi
: €9-12
Pint of Beer: €6
Moules Frites: €15-25

Transportation

Single Tram or Bus Journey: €2.10 (€2.50 if you purchase onboard)
Return Journey Ticket: €4.20
One Day Travel Card: €7.50 (expires at midnight on the day of purchase)

Attractions

Atomium: €9.25/16.95 (teenager/adult)
Place Royale: Free
Belgian Royal Museum of Fine Arts: €3-15 (varies on age and number of exhibits you’re visiting)

Is Brussels Worth Visiting for a Day?

In short, yes Brussels is absolutely worth visiting for a day if you’re able to include it on one of your European itineraries.

The Belgian capital is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe owing to its medieval architecture, grand square, vibrant streetside cafes, and glamorous palace.

There is plenty to keep you entertained in this city, so if you have the option of visiting even if it is just for one day, take the opportunity and go!

How Many Days Do You Need in Brussels?

Brussels' Grand Place filled with people and outdoor, covered cafes surrounded by planted flowers

If you like to take your time and explore the museums, spoil yourself at sit-down restaurants, and go shopping to find the perfect souvenir, then you would probably need about 2-3 days in Brussels.

Since this particular Belgian city is not as big as its nearby competitors, you can get around rather quickly and easily so you won’t spend a lot of time traveling between places.

But, if you like to be on the move constantly and don’t need much relaxing time, then visiting Brussels for a day is likely going to be enough for you.

Overall, deciding how much time you need in Brussels depends entirely on you and your preferences.

Is 1 Day in Brussels Enough?

Personally, I believe Brussels can easily be explored in 1 day since it is very walkable, has excellent transportation, and doesn’t have too many grand attractions worth visiting.

For the most part, visiting Brussels is all about being captivated by the stunning architecture and charming, medieval streets.

So, once you’ve walked the city streets, tasted the food, and picked yourself out an authentic Belgian souvenir, you’ve practically done everything there is to do in Brussels.

There are dozens of museums available for exploring if you love art and history, but if that isn’t really your style, then one day in Brussels is enough time.

What To See in Brussels in Half a Day?

Owing to Brussel’s smaller size, you can still see a lot of great landmarks and sights even if you only have half a day.

You’ll likely need to remove some of the aforementioned stops on the itinerary, otherwise, you’ll probably find yourself feeling very rushed and short on time everywhere you go.

Unless you’re a big art or history enthusiast, I would recommend omitting the museums and the Atomium from your itinerary. This will allow you ample time to just roam the Grand Place, indulge in the decadent food and alcohol, and take some great pictures.

Especially since the Atomium requires a car or metro ride from the city, it will take up far too much of your time. Likewise goes for the museums. Unless you have one in mind that you’re truly dying to see, you can probably just skip them.

Brussels is best known for its intricate architecture and stunning displays, so instead of getting caught up in all of the landmarks and materialistic shopping, just enjoy the short amount of time you have!

What if I Only Have One Night in Brussels?

Stunning shot of a night in Brussels with thousands of people walking around and taking photos

Say you just have a quick stopover in between destinations and only have time to see the city for a few hours at night, you’re actually in luck!

Brussels is absolutely stunning at night. All the shops and restaurants in Grand Place and the surrounding streets are lit up, creating an elegant glow around the city.

No matter what time of the year you choose to visit, you’ll be able to witness Brussels in a magical aura at night!

As for the itinerary, you won’t be able to see or do much after dark except roam the city and enjoy the food, beer, and lights. For us, this actually sounds amazing.

If you enjoy cozy evenings surrounded by light music, the smell of waffles and chocolate, and sophisticated lighting, then a night in Brussels is going to be a dream trip for you.

What is the Number One Thing To Do in Brussels?

Despite it being a bit of a ride from the city center, the number one thing to do in Brussels is to see the Atomium. This structure of an iron crystal has been magnified to 165 billion times its normal size, making it a unique landmark of the capital.

That being said, if you’re only visiting for a day and want to stay centrally located, then Grote Market is the number one thing to do in Brussels.

How Long Does It Take to Walk Around Brussels?

To walk around Brussels, it’ll take you approximately 2-3 hours, depending on your pace.

Now, if you were to factor in a few shops, lunch, and an attraction or two, then this could easily increase to 6+ hours.

Is Bruges or Brussels Better?

There is a lot of debate over which Belgian town you should visit if you’re short on time, and while we’d love to tell you that one is clearly better than the other, it really does depend on your preferences.

For us, we found Bruges to be absolutely magical. We fell in love with the lovely canals and charming bridges, and we also thought that it was just a smidge less touristy than Brussels.

But, we have heard of other travelers who love the big-city feel of Brussels and the enchanting Grand Place! So, it really does depend on what you’re looking for. If you enjoy fairytale towns with whimsical architecture and chocolate shops around every corner, then you should visit Bruges.

But, if you prefer to bounce quickly from major city to major city when traveling across Europe and don’t care much for the smaller regions, then Brussels will be more your style.

Like I said, we highly recommend visiting Bruges if you get the chance, but if you only have time for Brussels, then spending a day in the Belgian capital will be wonderful, as well.

If you’re still debating between visiting the two most popular towns in Belgium, check out our ultimate comparison between Bruges vs Brussels!

Lineup of brick buildings on a cobblestone street with lush trees

If you have some extra time to spare on your trip to Brussels, you’re in luck! There are dozens of amazing places just around the corner waiting for you to explore them.

But, even if you only have one extra day, these are some of the best day trips to take from Brussels.

✔️ Bruges

Rosary Quay in Bruges (brick buildings on a cornered canal with a lot of ivy)

Bruges is my favorite place in Belgium! At just one hour via train from Brussels, it’s an enchanting day trip for the whole family.

Spend the day strolling through Markt Square, enjoying a canal boat ride, and photographing all of the magical architecture in this gothic city.

Bruges mimics a fairytale in so many ways making it one of the most popular day trips from Brussels.

✔️ Ghent

Canal-side boardwalk and buildings with tied up small boats and people

Most commonly recognized for its 10th century Gravensteen Castle, Ghent is another medieval Belgian destination close to Brussels. Reachable in just 35 minutes via train, there is no reason not to take at least a few hours to explore Ghent!

While walking around Ghent, be sure to visit the two most popular quays in the city: Graslei and Korenlei. This is where you’ll find dozens of historic buildings perched along the beautiful canals of the city lined with colorful outdoor cafes and patios.

If you’re on a mission to explore some of the oldest and most medieval buildings in Belgium, then a day trip to Ghent from Brussels should be on your list.

✔️ Antwerp

Evening shot of a quiet square in Antwerp, Belgium

While Antwerp is home to the beautiful Grote Markt (Great Market Square) and the towering Cathedral of Our Lady Antwerp, it’s also a bustling metropolis for businesses.

This Belgian city is far more industrialized than its medieval counterparts, but you will find dozens of museums, art exhibits and galleries, and lots of culture.

If you’re a true city fan, check out what city life is like for Belgians by going on a day trip to Antwerp from Brussels!

✔️ Amsterdam

Canal and bridge next to beautiful buildings in Amsterdam at night

Amsterdam is one of the best day trips from Brussels that you can take. It offers you the opportunity to experience a completely different world just next door to Belgium!

Similar to Bruges, Amsterdam offers some incredible boat rides along its canals. But, instead of enjoying a classic Belgian waffle, you’ll be picking up an authentic stroopwafel from Albert Cuyp Market.

Amsterdam has so much to explore from the infamous Red Light District to the neighborhoods of De Pijp, Jordaan, and De Wallen, there is no end in sight to the experiences you can have here.

On your next day trip to Amsterdam from Brussels, be sure to check out some of the nearby windmills in Zaanse Schans!

✔️ Paris

Illuminated Eiffel Tower and bridge over the Seine River in Paris, France

Paris is on most travelers’ bucket lists, so why not include a day trip to Paris if you have more than one day in Brussels?

Now, this will require a bit more leg work since the train will take you close to 6 hours, but if you aren’t opposed to flying then you can be there in under an hour nonstop!

Paris is one of the most romantic and magical destinations in Europe. Along your Parisian travels, listen to the Notre Dame bells ring, watch the Eiffel Tower glitter at night, and enjoy a freshly baked croissant while walking along the Seine.

To truly experience Paris, don’t get caught up in all of the sites and attractions. Instead, enjoy the little things and make the most out of visiting Paris, even if it is only for one day!



Caramelized waffles, world-renowned pralines, and endless Belgian-style ales are enough to keep me coming back to Belgium over and over again.

That’s why I created this one day in Brussels itinerary so you can pack as much into your 24 hours in the Belgian capital as possible!