Wondering what to do in Brussels in one day? Here’s how to eat all the good stuff while discovering the best tourist places in Brussels.
Belgium. Why not? It seemed to be a fun stop between Paris and Amsterdam.
Ready To Travel? Don't Go Without Travel Insurance.
I recommend SafetyWing Nomad Insurance, an affordable travel insurance offering automatic monthly payments that you can cancel anytime. I've been using it since 2019, and I can assure you it's the perfect solution for nomads like you and me. Learn more by reading our SafetyWing review.I surprised myself by thinking, “What to do do in Brussels.” Guilty here. I had no idea. I knew what I would eat, but I wasn’t sure about the doing part.
Does it have to do with chocolate, waffles, and Belgian fries? Of course.
Life as I knew it before changed. You can’t beat this, my friend. This is the Belgian Heaven (because it deserves capital letters).
The best time to visit Brussels is during the summertime. Although, I would also recommend visiting during the winter as it’s fun to see Brussels around Christmas.
Is Brussels worth visiting and fun? YES! Especially if you enjoy Belgian food! Wondering how many days in Brussels you’ll need? We recommend a minimum of 2 days.
Here’s how to make the most of Brussels in one day! Let’s talk about the best places to visit in Brussels and the best things to eat in Brussels.
Eat Waffles
Please, notice here that waffles have an “S” which means you should at least eat two of them. Who knows? You might never return to Brussels, so you better create decent memories.
Where to eat the cheapest (and the best) waffles in Brussels: In this street (look at the map below), all waffles are only 1 euro.
It doesn’t include any toppings for this price, but you should know that you don’t even need one.
Toppings are for tourists. Locals eat their waffles plain. It’s going to be sweet enough. Don’t worry.
Here’s the thing.It would be best to have a plain street waffle at least once. And you should try another one with toppings in a restaurant (this time with Belgian hot chocolate). #JustSaying
Eat Belgian Fries
I hear you; “is there anything else to do other than eat in Brussels?” Of course, there is! Keep reading, my friend.
I’m just making sure you won’t miss the best part about Brussels, especially if you’re only here for a day.
Where to eat the best Belgian fries in Brussels: Fritland
Eat Chocolate
Oh Hello. You can’t miss this either. Grab your chocolate stash in one of those shops where you can also try the chocolate previously: La Belgique Gourmande. Take plenty. Eat plenty.
This was pure happiness.
You could also visit this chocolate museum or learn how to make chocolate.
Grand-Place
This big square is quite impressive as massive buildings surround it.
There are many Cafés, restaurants, and temptations everywhere. It’s also the meeting point for free walking tours around Brussels.
La Bourse
La Bourse is a pretty big building. It’s one of the meeting points around Brussels, and it’s also where people showed their love, respect, and solidarity after the bombing attacks of March 2016.
Manneken Pis
This is probably the most significant Brussels landmark. The little man peeing statue has a trending wardrobe which means that you could see him in different outfits every day of the week if you wanted to.
This statue has been stolen many times and has a female equivalent, Jeanneke Pis. This one is located in the Party area.
Cool Tours That Are Below EUR 30:
Belgian Beer Tasting Experience – Check the price!
Local Pub Crawl – Check the price!
Belgian Chocolate Tasting Tour – Check the price!
Have Some Belgian Fun
Did I just say “Party area”? There are a few bars you should check out if you’re a party animal. (I’m an angel now, so I can’t say a lot about it, but I’m guessing you’re also planning to taste the Belgian goodies that rhyme with beers?!)
I heard about two fantastic places to go out. I’m thinking of Delirium Café and Floris Bar.
Both places are found on Impasse de la Fidélité street (which is quite funny if you speak French). Floris Bar is also known for its exclusive Absynthe.
The best of Brussels during the Winter – Christmas Season
I went to my first Christmas market when I was in Brussels. The market is located around La Bourse and the Place Sainte-Catherine. There’s also a giant Christmas tree right in the middle of the Grand-Place.
You should also check out the light show at the Grand Place, and I’d strongly recommend you watch the one at Sainte-Catherine.
Where to stay in Brussels, Belgium
I stayed at Jacques Brel Youth Hostel while I was in Brussels. It’s not exactly in the city centre, but it isn’t too far either.
I could walk to the Grand-Place easily while exploring the less touristy parts of Brussels around the hostel.
The place was pretty clean, modern and well-equipped.
There’s a kitchen available on site and you also have a complimentary breakfast (which is fantastic, by the way). The closest metro is Botanique.
Staying In Brussels?
Make sure to book a stay in one of the best hotels in Brussels.
Best hostel: 2GO4 Quality Hostel Brussels City Center
Best mid-range hotel: B&B Home & the City
Best luxury hotel: Juliana Hotel Brussels
What to Pack for Brussels
Here are a few Brussels essentials you should pack for your upcoming trip!
Your packing essentials could change depending on whether you’re heading there during the summer or the winter! (Yes – it’s cold during the winter!)
Do you have your travel insurance ready? Don’t leave without it!
- European adaptor
- For the spring, you should bring a raincoat
- For the winter, you should bring some warmer clothes
- Portable charger
- Day backpack
Best Day Trips From Brussels
Are you planning on going on day trips from Brussels? Here are a few suggestions to consider:
Traveling in Europe with Busbud
There are many different ways to travel across Europe. Here’s why you should consider doing it by bus.
It’s quick. You don’t need to show up too far in advance. It’s efficient!
It’s budget-friendly. Most of the time, traveling by bus is the most affordable option.
You can stay connected. Wi-Fi is free, and you can even use power sockets!
You can travel with luggage. You won’t need to worry about liquids, gels, or the weight of your luggage. Pack that bag and go!
It’s eco-friendly. The environmental impact is minimal compared to the other transport options.
Busbud is the best way to book bus tickets as it’s all in one place. You can search, compare and book your bus tickets from hundreds of bus companies in 10,000 cities across 63 countries.
They propose 500,000 routes, making them the biggest bus travel booking website.
Their goal is to make travel accessible to everyone by giving travelers clear and accurate bus travel information such as schedules and fares. Learn more about Busbud.