If you are looking for the ultimate city break, then Brussels is the place to go!
Belgium’s capital and the principal seat of the country’s Royal Family, it has a wealth of museums, distinctive art nouveau architecture, and a hip, multicultural vibe.
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Well, if you are happy with a packed schedule that keeps you constantly on the go, then you can see a lot of the main sights in just a couple of days.
But if you prefer a more relaxed pace – with time to spend longer in your favorite places or to relax with a coffee and watch the world go by – then plan for 3 or 4 days.
Before making your final decision, though, there are a few other factors to think about.
How To Choose How Long To Stay In Brussels
Here are all the different things you need to consider when trying to work out how many days to spend in Brussels, or in any new destination.
I’ve also included a list of some of the city’s main attractions, with an idea of how long you’ll need to spend at each.
Together, all this information should help you put together a realistic itinerary at a pace that will work well for you and your group.
To help you figure out exactly how long you’ll need in Brussels, make a list of the things you want to do in Brussels, and consider the time of arrival and departure.
Then, look at the distance between places to keep it realistic.
At the end of this exercise, you’ll know how many days in Brussels you’ll need.
Time Of Arrival, Hotel Check-In Time, And Time Of Departure
Before making a final decision about how many days in Brussels you’ll need, think about the times at which you arrive and depart the city.
Do you get there very early? If so, then you can reasonably expect to do a good amount of sightseeing on that first day.
A late arrival time will mean you may need to add on an extra night in order to see everything you’ve planned.
The same applies on your day of departure. You can only plan to finish your sightseeing that day if your departure time is late enough to allow it.
To save time, many travelers prefer to book a private transfer from the airport to the city.
Next, think about what you will do with your luggage if your arrival and departure times don’t coincide with when you check-in and out.
The first step would be to check with your hotel or accommodation provider. Most will be happy to store your bags for you (although some might charge a fee).
If yours doesn’t offer this service, then you will need to make alternative arrangements. The good news is that you have plenty of options!
You can find lots of private companies online specializing in luggage storage in Brussels.
These can be booked online too. This is convenient, as it saves you the worry of being unable to find anywhere when the city is packed during the high season.
You can also find left-luggage facilities at some of Brussels’ railway stations. Brussels North and Brussels Central both have luggage lockers that are priced according to size.
Brussels South has both luggage lockers and a staffed left luggage facility near the Eurostar check-in and Thalys reception.
There are also two storage areas at the airport – one in the public area and one in the airside transit area.
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
Activities In Brussels
Before leaving for your trip, make a list of the places you most want to visit and any activities you really want to do. This will help you work out just how many days in Brussels is enough for your visit.
To help you with this I have included a list of ‘What to do in Brussels’ in this guide. I have also suggested the ideal amount of time to spend at each attraction.
Don’t forget to include time spent traveling between different areas when working out your itinerary. You should also account for some queueing time too.
This is especially true if you plan to visit the most popular attractions during the busy season. Brussels’ high season runs from June to August.
Many travelers prefer to book tours and activities in advance to skip the queues and make the most of their time in Brussels.
Pace Of Activities
Don’t over-schedule yourself – otherwise, you may find yourself rushing from one attraction to the next without really seeing the best of anything!
Be sure to take your preferred pace of activities into account when planning your visit to Brussels. Allow yourself enough time to relax if you think you’ll need it.
Transportation
One of the great things about visiting Brussels is that it is so easy to get around!
Navigation is simple and there is a reliable public transport system that includes metro lines, pre-metro lines (trams in tunnels), trams, and buses.
Alternatively, you can hire a bike or even an electric scooter, which is a fun way to see the sights.
Much of the city can be explored on foot, or you can use a taxi. Rates are fixed so you can find out the cost of your journey in advance.
The only thing I DON’T recommend is driving! The traffic can be very heavy and parking is not always easy to find.
What To Do In Brussels
Here are my recommendations for the best things to see and do in Brussels, plus how long you should plan to spend at each attraction.
Choco-Story Museum
Belgium is famous for its divine chocolate – and in this museum, you’ll discover everything you wanted to know about its history and production.
From finding out how cocoa trees were first grown by the Mayas then the Aztecs, to seeing how cocoa is transformed into chocolate, you’ll learn every step of the process.
You can also choose to watch a demonstration by a chocolatier – with tastings included in the entrance fee – or you can book a longer tour and learn how to make your own personalized chocolate tablet.
Suggested time: 1 to 2 hours (experience tours are around 2.5 hours)
The Train Museum
Discover the history of rail transport – from steam locomotives to high-speed trains – in this fascinating museum.
With interactive exhibits designed to appeal to all age groups, you can climb aboard trains dating back 100 years, walk across a genuine railway bridge, and even experience how it feels to actually drive a train yourself!
Suggested time: 2 to 3 hours
Grand Place
One of the city’s main attractions, this is considered to be among Europe’s most beautiful medieval squares.
Surrounded by buildings dating back to the 17th century – including the City Hall and the Maison du Roi – it was named by UNESCO a World Heritage Site in 1998.
Many of the Baroque guildhalls have been converted into restaurants and the entire area exudes a lively and friendly vibe, particularly at night when the area is beautifully illuminated.
Suggested time: 1 hour
Tour Ghent And Bruges
Brussels is within easy reach of Ghent and Bruges so you can see both on a full-day guided tour.
Ghent is particularly famous for its medieval architecture and is home to Saint-Bavo’s Cathedral, the Castle of the Counts of Flanders, and the scenic medieval harbor Graslei.
In Bruges, you can stroll the cobbled streets and see the Lake of Love and the Beguinage, or take a boat trip along the canals.
Suggested time: 11 hours
The Magritte Museum
Art lovers will be enchanted by the Magritte Museum, the most important study center in the world focused on his work.
It contains more than 200 multidisciplinary exhibits, including sketches, sculptures, oil paintings on canvas, gouaches, advertising posters, photographs, and films made by the artist himself.
You can also watch videos that give you glimpses into various aspects of his life.
Suggested time: 1 to 2 hours
The Old England Building
Once a department store, this beautiful late 19th-century building is now home to a fascinating musical museum.
After stopping outside to admire the black facade with its wrought iron and arched windows, you can step inside to view more than 2,000 historic instruments, including everything from harpsichords to shepherds’ bagpipes.
There is also a great rooftop cafe with a stunning view of the city.
Suggested time: 1 to 2 hours
The Palais Royal
This is the official residence of the royal family of Belgium (although they actually now live in Laeken).
Open to visitors throughout the summer months, it is definitely worth including in your itinerary, with splendid interior decorations and stunning artwork.
The most interesting room in the palace has a ceiling covered in beetles’ wings which may sound strange but actually forms a beautiful mosaic!
Even if you are visiting in the winter when the palace is closed, I still recommend stopping by just to admire the majesty of the building and the beautifully kept gardens in the foreground.
Suggested time: 1 to 2 hours
Final Thoughts On Brussels Getaways
I hope that you have found this guide useful and that it has helped you decide how many days in Brussels you will need to see the very best of its attractions.
I also hope you have a great time in Belgium’s charming and fascinating capital city.
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